November 12 ,2024 - Palestine, West Bank

Women Press Freedom condemns the unjust detention of Esra Ghorani, a reporter with the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), and her TV crew by Israeli occupation forces. After being held for approximately seven hours at the Tayasir military checkpoint east of Tubas, they were finally released.

Ghorani reported that they were detained while returning from covering the demolition of a house under construction in the village of Kardala in the northern Jordan Valley by the Israeli military. During the detention, soldiers seized their personal identification cards, cameras, and mobile phones, subjecting them to thorough searches. After being left waiting for five hours, the soldiers questioned them individually about their work and the footage on their devices before ultimately releasing them.

This incident is a clear violation of press freedom and highlights the ongoing risks faced by journalists in conflict zones.

Women Press Freedom calls for the immediate protection of journalists and urges the international community to hold accountable those who infringe upon the rights of reporters documenting critical issues. It is imperative that journalists can work freely and safely without fear of harassment or detention.