Kathmandu— The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate reported 108 attacks on Palestinian journalists and media workers by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank last month. These violations, ranging from detention and physical assault to equipment seizure and obstruction of coverage, are hindering journalistic efforts to document events on the ground. The report comes amid a broader context of escalating violence, with over 270 journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023 according to the syndicate.

Escalating Violence Against Journalists

The syndicate’s Freedoms Committee detailed a pattern of attacks that have made it increasingly difficult for journalists to report on Israeli military raids and settler violence. Brief detentions and restrictions on reporting were the most frequently recorded violations in July, accounting for 58 cases. The committee also documented 11 attacks by settlers on journalists, often involving physical assaults, shoving, and threats while they covered related events elsewhere in the occupied West Bank.

Range of Attacks Documented

Beyond detentions and settler violence, Israeli forces were reported to have fired stun grenades or tear gas at journalists in 12 instances, causing some to suffocate. Six journalists sustained beatings, and four suffered bleeding injuries while covering events in Gaza, including wounds from shrapnel. Additionally, the committee recorded raids on journalists’ homes and media offices – including the closure of one outlet – as well as confiscation or destruction of equipment and deletion of footage.

Growing Death Toll

The July attacks add to a rapidly increasing toll that rights groups say has already reached a historic high. The syndicate stated that more than 270 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023 as part of an ongoing campaign that includes arbitrary press detentions. Al Jazeera reported the loss of 12 of its own journalists in Gaza during Israel’s campaign, representing the highest number for any single media outlet.

Call for Accountability

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate has called for journalists to be allowed to work without fear of threats or attacks and demanded accountability for those responsible for the violations. The syndicate emphasized the need to ensure a safe environment for media workers to fulfill their role in documenting events.

The documented surge in attacks underscores the increasingly dangerous conditions faced by Palestinian journalists, with ongoing concerns about freedom of the press and access to information.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.