Palestinian journalists report abuse in Israeli detention

A CPJ report says 59 Palestinian journalists detained after October 2023 reported widespread abuse in Israeli custody, with most describing physical or sexual violence and severe food deprivation. Many were held under administrative detention and CPJ called for accountability; next steps are undetermined.

A report published by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on February 19 says Palestinian journalists detained by Israeli authorities after the October 2023 attacks described widespread abuse while in custody. The report is based on interviews with 59 detained journalists and includes accounts of physical and sexual abuse, threats, and severe deprivation, according to CPJ. It also documents that many detainees were held without formal charges and that legal access and medical care were often limited. CPJ called for accountability and for the international community to respond to the reported treatment. Reported findings: - CPJ said it interviewed 59 Palestinian journalists and that all but one reported experiencing torture, abuse or other forms of violence, as reported in the group's summary. - The report states 80% of those interviewed were held under administrative detention and about one in four said they were never allowed to speak to a lawyer. - The majority of interviewed journalists reported extreme hunger or malnutrition while detained, and CPJ reviewed photos and data indicating substantial average weight loss among detainees. - CPJ publicly called for accountability and action; the report did not specify a formal legal proceeding or scheduled next step. Summary: The CPJ report presents a pattern of reported abuse against Palestinian journalists in Israeli custody and documents limits on legal access and serious deprivation. Undetermined at this time.