Two journalists still missing among 42 detained in 'Israel'

Listen to this story:

0:00

Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.

Published :

1 hour ago|

Palestine

42 Palestinian journalists held in 'Israeli' prisons, two under enforced disappearance.
Systematic violations in prisons include torture, medical neglect, and restrictions on lawyers and Red Cross.

'Israeli' forces continued their detention of Palestinian journalists, with 42 reporters held in prisons, including two under enforced disappearance, the Palestinian Prisoners Media Office reported Sunday.

Since October 7, 2023, the office documented around 220 arrests of journalists and media workers. Among those missing are Nidal Al-Wahidi and Haitham Abdel Wahid from Gaza, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The latest arrest occurred early Sunday when 'Israeli' forces detained journalist Farouq Omar Alyat, 44, from Deir Abu Dhuweif village east of Jenin. Alyat, a father of three and former prisoner, had been arrested multiple times before.

By the end of 2025, the total number of Palestinian political prisoners reached approximately 9,300, with nearly half held without charge or trial. Reports highlighted a sharp rise in administrative detention, designations such as “illegal combatant”, and targeting of women, children, journalists, and medical personnel.

Political prisoners faced systemic violations including physical and psychological torture, medical neglect, starvation, inhumane conditions, sexual assault, and restrictions on visits, lawyers, and Red Cross access.

Since 1967, at least 324 political prisoners have died in detention, with 87 after the recent war and 95 bodies still held by 'Israeli' authorities. Despite the release of 3,745 prisoners in 2025, re-arrests and deportations continued, alongside repressive legislation targeting prisoners’ rights and civil society institutions.

Human rights advocates called for immediate international accountability, the release of sick prisoners, women, and children, and guarantees for independent monitoring inside the prisons.