8 nov 2019
October 2019 witnessed a significant rise in the number of violations against media freedoms in Palestine, PNN reported. These violations represent double the amount witnessed during September.
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) has documented a total of 107 attacks against media freedoms in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, committed by Israeli and Palestinian authorities in addition to the Administration of Facebook, during October, compared to a total of 53 during September.
This rise was mainly attributed to the decision to close dozens of websites and Facebook Pages, in addition to the ongoing violations by the Facebook Company, which led to closing more Palestinian pages claiming that they violate “the Facebook community standards.”
Israeli Violations
The number of Israeli violations has nearly doubled during October, totalling 27 attacks, compared to a total of 14 attacks during September.
As usual, most of the Israeli violations fall under the serious attacks against the lives of Palestinian journalists and media freedoms.
The attacks included a total of 12 assaults which varied between beating, and other physical injuries due to the Israeli occupation forces’ rubber bullets and tear-gas canisters which are aimed at male and female Palestinian journalists covering various events across the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.
In addition to 12 assaults, were 5 cases of arrest and detention.
Rami Mahfouth Al-Khateeb – cameraman and journalist, was assaulted and prevented from photographing.
Ameer Mohammad Abed Rabu – Palestine TV cameraman, was summoned, questioned and his equipment was confiscated by Israeli authorities.
Mohammad Radie – Palestine TV cameraman, was injured by a rubber bullet to the knee, while covering a military incursion into Ramallah.
Mutasem Saqf Alhait – was injured by a rubber bullet in the flank while documenting a military incursion in Nablus, was also assaulted while covering a march against settlement expansion in Turmus ‘Ayya near Ramallah.
Sondos Abdelrahman Owais – Al Jazeera Mubasher reporter, was summoned for questioning.
Maysaa Abu Ghazala – MAAN News Agency reporter, was summoned for interrogation.
Osaid Mohammad Sbaih – Palestine TV reporter, was prevented from documenting, and was threatened with tear-gas canisters.
Najeeb Hussein Sharawneh – Palestine TV cameraman, was assaulted in addition to suffering tear-gas inhalation.
Mohammad Dahlan – was injured by a rubber bullet that struck, and damaged his camera.
Hazem Nasser – Al-Ghad TV cameraman, arrested.
Khaled Budair – Al-Ghad TV reporter, arrested.
Ameer Shaheen – Palestine TV reporter, arrested.
Zaher Abu Hussein – cameraman of Colonization & Wall Resistance Commission, arrested.
Mahmoud Fawzi – freelance journalist, arrested.
It should be mentioned that the Israeli occupation forces confiscated filming equipment while the journalists were covering a peaceful protest against settlements in the northern Valleys, east of Tubas.
Additionally, the following six Palestinian journalists were assaulted and beaten by the Israeli occupation forces while covering a sit-in in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike.
Diyala Talab Jwehan – Al Hayat Al Jadida Newspaper cameraman, assaulted.
Nawal Imad Ibrahim Hijazi – Al Hayat Al Jadida Newspaper reporter, assaulted.
Ghassan Mohammad Khader Abu Eid – Al Kufiyya TV cameraman, assaulted.
Mahmoud Elayan – Al Quds Newspaper cameraman, assaulted.
Ahmad Gharablah – French News Agency AFP cameraman, assaulted.
Fayez Hamza Fayez Abu Irmailah – Anatolia News Agency cameraman, assaulted.
Fatima Mohammad Hassouna – freelance journalist, suffered from inhalation of tear-gas and fainted.
Hassan Al Wahwah – WAFA News Agency cameraman, assaulted and prevented from coverage.
Palestinian Violations
October 2019 witnessed a significant increase in the number of Palestinian violations, most of which was due to the decision, by the Palestinian Authority to block dozens of news websites and media pages on Facebook, based on the Cybercrime Law.
The total number of Palestinian violations during this month reached 61 attacks; 49 of which were a result to the decision to block media websites and pages. This decision was considered a setback for the Palestinian government, which, since its inauguration last April, has promised to be committed to protecting media freedoms.
The other 12 Palestinian violations documented in addition to the practices of blocking websites included the detention and prevention from coverage of the reporter of Sawt Al-Shaab Radio, Mahmoud Omar Allouh, by Hamas police officers. Moreover, the journalist Izz Al-Deen Yasser Abu Aisha was summoned four consecutive times for several hours each and assaulted by the Internal Security Services.
The Preventive Security Services arrested and detained journalist Mahmoud Abu Hassan, in Tubas, for 15 days before being released on condition of bail.
The Preventive Security Services in Nablus arrested and detained journalist Radwan Abdelqader Qatanani, for seven days before being released on condition of bail, summoning him twice after his release.
The Internal Security of Hamas Government arrested journalist Bassam Mohammad Muhaisen, and he is still being detained, and finally Ziad Awad, who was summoned and detained for 10 hours.
The Violations of Facebook:
During October, Facebook continued to close more pages of Palestinian journalists and media websites, claiming that they violated the “standards of Facebook community” as stated in some notices that have been received.
The blocking practices or the prevention of live broadcasts, included a total of 19 pages for Palestinian journalists and media websites with thousands of followers.
This is in addition to blocking and prohibiting more pages belonging to Palestinian citizens (not journalists). During September, Facebook either fully or partially blocked a total of 34 Palestinian journalism and media websites.
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) has documented a total of 107 attacks against media freedoms in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, committed by Israeli and Palestinian authorities in addition to the Administration of Facebook, during October, compared to a total of 53 during September.
This rise was mainly attributed to the decision to close dozens of websites and Facebook Pages, in addition to the ongoing violations by the Facebook Company, which led to closing more Palestinian pages claiming that they violate “the Facebook community standards.”
Israeli Violations
The number of Israeli violations has nearly doubled during October, totalling 27 attacks, compared to a total of 14 attacks during September.
As usual, most of the Israeli violations fall under the serious attacks against the lives of Palestinian journalists and media freedoms.
The attacks included a total of 12 assaults which varied between beating, and other physical injuries due to the Israeli occupation forces’ rubber bullets and tear-gas canisters which are aimed at male and female Palestinian journalists covering various events across the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.
In addition to 12 assaults, were 5 cases of arrest and detention.
Rami Mahfouth Al-Khateeb – cameraman and journalist, was assaulted and prevented from photographing.
Ameer Mohammad Abed Rabu – Palestine TV cameraman, was summoned, questioned and his equipment was confiscated by Israeli authorities.
Mohammad Radie – Palestine TV cameraman, was injured by a rubber bullet to the knee, while covering a military incursion into Ramallah.
Mutasem Saqf Alhait – was injured by a rubber bullet in the flank while documenting a military incursion in Nablus, was also assaulted while covering a march against settlement expansion in Turmus ‘Ayya near Ramallah.
Sondos Abdelrahman Owais – Al Jazeera Mubasher reporter, was summoned for questioning.
Maysaa Abu Ghazala – MAAN News Agency reporter, was summoned for interrogation.
Osaid Mohammad Sbaih – Palestine TV reporter, was prevented from documenting, and was threatened with tear-gas canisters.
Najeeb Hussein Sharawneh – Palestine TV cameraman, was assaulted in addition to suffering tear-gas inhalation.
Mohammad Dahlan – was injured by a rubber bullet that struck, and damaged his camera.
Hazem Nasser – Al-Ghad TV cameraman, arrested.
Khaled Budair – Al-Ghad TV reporter, arrested.
Ameer Shaheen – Palestine TV reporter, arrested.
Zaher Abu Hussein – cameraman of Colonization & Wall Resistance Commission, arrested.
Mahmoud Fawzi – freelance journalist, arrested.
It should be mentioned that the Israeli occupation forces confiscated filming equipment while the journalists were covering a peaceful protest against settlements in the northern Valleys, east of Tubas.
Additionally, the following six Palestinian journalists were assaulted and beaten by the Israeli occupation forces while covering a sit-in in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike.
Diyala Talab Jwehan – Al Hayat Al Jadida Newspaper cameraman, assaulted.
Nawal Imad Ibrahim Hijazi – Al Hayat Al Jadida Newspaper reporter, assaulted.
Ghassan Mohammad Khader Abu Eid – Al Kufiyya TV cameraman, assaulted.
Mahmoud Elayan – Al Quds Newspaper cameraman, assaulted.
Ahmad Gharablah – French News Agency AFP cameraman, assaulted.
Fayez Hamza Fayez Abu Irmailah – Anatolia News Agency cameraman, assaulted.
Fatima Mohammad Hassouna – freelance journalist, suffered from inhalation of tear-gas and fainted.
Hassan Al Wahwah – WAFA News Agency cameraman, assaulted and prevented from coverage.
Palestinian Violations
October 2019 witnessed a significant increase in the number of Palestinian violations, most of which was due to the decision, by the Palestinian Authority to block dozens of news websites and media pages on Facebook, based on the Cybercrime Law.
The total number of Palestinian violations during this month reached 61 attacks; 49 of which were a result to the decision to block media websites and pages. This decision was considered a setback for the Palestinian government, which, since its inauguration last April, has promised to be committed to protecting media freedoms.
The other 12 Palestinian violations documented in addition to the practices of blocking websites included the detention and prevention from coverage of the reporter of Sawt Al-Shaab Radio, Mahmoud Omar Allouh, by Hamas police officers. Moreover, the journalist Izz Al-Deen Yasser Abu Aisha was summoned four consecutive times for several hours each and assaulted by the Internal Security Services.
The Preventive Security Services arrested and detained journalist Mahmoud Abu Hassan, in Tubas, for 15 days before being released on condition of bail.
The Preventive Security Services in Nablus arrested and detained journalist Radwan Abdelqader Qatanani, for seven days before being released on condition of bail, summoning him twice after his release.
The Internal Security of Hamas Government arrested journalist Bassam Mohammad Muhaisen, and he is still being detained, and finally Ziad Awad, who was summoned and detained for 10 hours.
The Violations of Facebook:
During October, Facebook continued to close more pages of Palestinian journalists and media websites, claiming that they violated the “standards of Facebook community” as stated in some notices that have been received.
The blocking practices or the prevention of live broadcasts, included a total of 19 pages for Palestinian journalists and media websites with thousands of followers.
This is in addition to blocking and prohibiting more pages belonging to Palestinian citizens (not journalists). During September, Facebook either fully or partially blocked a total of 34 Palestinian journalism and media websites.
7 nov 2019
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, in a report, today. said that so far, this year, Israeli occupation forces have committed 600 violations against journalists and the media in general.
The PJS Freedoms Committee said that the gravest of these violations was the use of live ammunition against journalists, with 60 cases of live fire injuries among journalists, by Israeli forces, documented.
The report also noted that, in 170 cases, Israeli soldiers beat or detained journalists, or banned them from covering events. Currently, added the report, there are 18 journalists incarcerated in Israeli jails.
WAFA further reports that, with regard to the ongoing anti-Palestinian campaign by Facebook, the Syndicate said it has monitored 180 cases of violation against the Palestinian content on the platform, including the removal of Palestinian accounts or posts.
The PJS Freedoms Committee said that the gravest of these violations was the use of live ammunition against journalists, with 60 cases of live fire injuries among journalists, by Israeli forces, documented.
The report also noted that, in 170 cases, Israeli soldiers beat or detained journalists, or banned them from covering events. Currently, added the report, there are 18 journalists incarcerated in Israeli jails.
WAFA further reports that, with regard to the ongoing anti-Palestinian campaign by Facebook, the Syndicate said it has monitored 180 cases of violation against the Palestinian content on the platform, including the removal of Palestinian accounts or posts.
6 nov 2019
Member of Hamas’s political bureau Mohamed Nazzal has strongly denounced Twitter and Facebook for blocking Palestinian pages in response to Israel’s diktats.
In press remarks to Quds Press on Tuesday, Nazzal said that Twitter recently blocked his page and dozens of pages belonging to Palestinian national figures because of their positions in support of the Palestinian resistance.
He added that a similar practice was already taken by the Facebook administration, deploring what he described as social media moguls for being tools utilized by Israel.
He also slammed the social media companies for flouting the freedom of opinion and being biased against the vulnerable people in Palestine.
The Hamas official urged all Palestinian, Arab and Islamic personages and institutions to boycott Facebook and Twitter in protest at the blocking of Palestinian pages.
In compliance with agreements with the Israeli government, the administrations of Facebook and Twitter have systematically blocked pages of Palestinian media outlets, national figures and activists, and removed postings that showed support for the Palestinian people and exposed Israel’s crimes and violations.
In press remarks to Quds Press on Tuesday, Nazzal said that Twitter recently blocked his page and dozens of pages belonging to Palestinian national figures because of their positions in support of the Palestinian resistance.
He added that a similar practice was already taken by the Facebook administration, deploring what he described as social media moguls for being tools utilized by Israel.
He also slammed the social media companies for flouting the freedom of opinion and being biased against the vulnerable people in Palestine.
The Hamas official urged all Palestinian, Arab and Islamic personages and institutions to boycott Facebook and Twitter in protest at the blocking of Palestinian pages.
In compliance with agreements with the Israeli government, the administrations of Facebook and Twitter have systematically blocked pages of Palestinian media outlets, national figures and activists, and removed postings that showed support for the Palestinian people and exposed Israel’s crimes and violations.
Education Minister Rafi Peretz
Despite receiving much praise when videos were uploaded, the ministry has yet to give full answer as to when clips will return to website; some affiliated with project link move to pro-conversion therapy comments by Peretz
The Ministry of Education has removed two videos promoting LGBTQ and body image acceptance.
The videos were uploaded in July during a public storm a statement by Education Minister Rafi Peretz regarding conversion therapy. They were subsequently taken down following the minister's apology for the remarks.
Asked in a July interview with Channel 12 news if he favored and believed it was possible to convert people who have a homosexual “tendency”, the minister said: “I think it is possible. I respect every person, whoever they are."
"As a rabbi in Israel, I admit our Bible says other things (about homosexuality), but this doesn’t mean I’m giving them grades."
He then added, however: “I have a very deep understanding of education and have been involved in conversion therapy".
Widespread condemnation by lawmakers and social activists followed, resulting in the minister walking back his statements on the matter.
Some affiliated with the video project have tied the removal of the footage to the minister's controversial statements.
In response to an query by Ynet, the ministry said it would reupload the videos although no date was given.
The videos were part of a project named "Sexuality in Safe Spaces," which was created as a pilot for several Israeli schools by the Educaiton Ministry.
The project intended for students to have seven to eight hours of sex education, starting in sixth grade and to continue during middle and high school.
The project also included a series of videos explaining and talking about different subjects such as sexuality, gender and other intimate matters.
The ministry has also postponed the upload of the rest of the videos in the series for a year and a half, despite the fact that the two videos received much praise while they were online.
The video regarding LGBTQ acceptance stars Israeli fashionista Yoav Meir and reality star Leon Shneiderovsky and deals with a series of questions such as: "Should I tell my parents I'm gay?", "Who do I turn to if I feel stress or anxiety?" and, "If I dreamed of my female friend, does that mean I'm lesbian?"
The video dealing with positive body image includes questions such as, "I'm ashamed to go to the beach, what do I do?", "I want to take acne medication, but am afraid to tell my mom" and, "Will I mature like the rest of my female classmates?"
"We were shocked to discover the ministry had taken down the videos we worked so hard to produce, videos that are just promoting acceptance and understating for the LGBTQ community and for body image," said one of the project's affiliates.
"The money was already invested, and the videos were shot, so why wait a year and a half? Why were the (other) videos taken down after already being uploaded?"
The Education Ministry said in response: "The ministry was not the one to post the videos in the first place. It was done by the production company without our knowledge or approval.
"It should be emphasized that the ministry initiated a through and encompassing project on the matter for schools. The videos that were taken down, and the rest in the series, will be uploaded as soon as the proper arrangements are made with professional psychological counseling services."
A spokesperson for Peretz said that the decision to remove the videos had been taken before he took over at the ministry earlier this year.
"The decision whether to upload or take down the videos was made by professionals with no connection to the minister and done before his inauguration.
"Any attempt to connect him to the decision borders on provocation. Other professionals in the ministry oversee the content and the time of uploads for the videos."
Despite receiving much praise when videos were uploaded, the ministry has yet to give full answer as to when clips will return to website; some affiliated with project link move to pro-conversion therapy comments by Peretz
The Ministry of Education has removed two videos promoting LGBTQ and body image acceptance.
The videos were uploaded in July during a public storm a statement by Education Minister Rafi Peretz regarding conversion therapy. They were subsequently taken down following the minister's apology for the remarks.
Asked in a July interview with Channel 12 news if he favored and believed it was possible to convert people who have a homosexual “tendency”, the minister said: “I think it is possible. I respect every person, whoever they are."
"As a rabbi in Israel, I admit our Bible says other things (about homosexuality), but this doesn’t mean I’m giving them grades."
He then added, however: “I have a very deep understanding of education and have been involved in conversion therapy".
Widespread condemnation by lawmakers and social activists followed, resulting in the minister walking back his statements on the matter.
Some affiliated with the video project have tied the removal of the footage to the minister's controversial statements.
In response to an query by Ynet, the ministry said it would reupload the videos although no date was given.
The videos were part of a project named "Sexuality in Safe Spaces," which was created as a pilot for several Israeli schools by the Educaiton Ministry.
The project intended for students to have seven to eight hours of sex education, starting in sixth grade and to continue during middle and high school.
The project also included a series of videos explaining and talking about different subjects such as sexuality, gender and other intimate matters.
The ministry has also postponed the upload of the rest of the videos in the series for a year and a half, despite the fact that the two videos received much praise while they were online.
The video regarding LGBTQ acceptance stars Israeli fashionista Yoav Meir and reality star Leon Shneiderovsky and deals with a series of questions such as: "Should I tell my parents I'm gay?", "Who do I turn to if I feel stress or anxiety?" and, "If I dreamed of my female friend, does that mean I'm lesbian?"
The video dealing with positive body image includes questions such as, "I'm ashamed to go to the beach, what do I do?", "I want to take acne medication, but am afraid to tell my mom" and, "Will I mature like the rest of my female classmates?"
"We were shocked to discover the ministry had taken down the videos we worked so hard to produce, videos that are just promoting acceptance and understating for the LGBTQ community and for body image," said one of the project's affiliates.
"The money was already invested, and the videos were shot, so why wait a year and a half? Why were the (other) videos taken down after already being uploaded?"
The Education Ministry said in response: "The ministry was not the one to post the videos in the first place. It was done by the production company without our knowledge or approval.
"It should be emphasized that the ministry initiated a through and encompassing project on the matter for schools. The videos that were taken down, and the rest in the series, will be uploaded as soon as the proper arrangements are made with professional psychological counseling services."
A spokesperson for Peretz said that the decision to remove the videos had been taken before he took over at the ministry earlier this year.
"The decision whether to upload or take down the videos was made by professionals with no connection to the minister and done before his inauguration.
"Any attempt to connect him to the decision borders on provocation. Other professionals in the ministry oversee the content and the time of uploads for the videos."