Israel commits 90 breaches against journos in July: NGO

By Nour Abu Aisha

GAZA CITY, Palestine

Israel committed at least 90 “violations” against Palestinian journalists last month, a U.K.-based NGO that advocates for press freedom said Wednesday.

According to the Journalist Support Committee, violations included acts of aggression that led to the injury of 28 journalists, 17 of whom had been covering Palestinian protests near the Gaza-Israel buffer zone.

Over the same period, the NGO recorded another 11 injuries and acts of aggression in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The NGO also registered four cases of prolonged detention, two cases of torture and at least one case of domestic confinement.

Seventeen additional violations were registered in which journalists were prevented -- by various means -- from carrying out their journalistic responsibilities.

Last month, the Israeli authorities also designated the Lebanon-based Al-Quds television channel as a “terrorist group”.

Four of the channel’s journalists were reportedly threatened by the Israeli authorities, while the homes of five others were raided.

Last month, the total number of journalists now being held in Israeli prisons rose to 27, including two who suffer from serious medical conditions.

According to Palestinian figures, as many as 6,500 Palestinians are currently languishing in Israeli prisons, including scores of women and some 350 minors.