Report Details Abuse of Palestinian Journalists in Israeli Custody

A new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) details allegations of torture, sexual assault, and denial of essential needs experienced by dozens of Palestinian journalists arrested by Israeli authorities during the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. The report, based on 59 testimonies, paints a disturbing picture of the treatment of media professionals in Israeli detention.

Arrests and Detention Without Charge

According to the CPJ, Israel has arrested at least 94 Palestinian journalists and one media worker since October 7, 2023. Sixty of those arrested were from the West Bank, and 33 were from the Gaza Strip. A significant majority – 48 journalists – were held under administrative detention, a controversial practice allowing Israel to imprison Palestinians without formal charges or trial, and without the opportunity to mount a defense. Some detainees have been held for over two years under this system .

Detailed Accounts of Abuse

The CPJ report includes graphic accounts of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. One journalist, Ahmed Abdel Aal, who works for the Hamas-affiliated Shehab News Agency, described a five-day ordeal involving prolonged exposure to loud music while blindfolded, stripped, and beaten. He reported being subjected to electric shocks and blows whenever he neared unconsciousness .

Another journalist, wishing to remain anonymous for fear of re-arrest, alleged that soldiers bound his genitals with zip ties and beat him, stating they intended to render him “no longer a man.” Other testimonies detail various forms of violence and mental torture.

Impact of Ben-Gvir’s Policies

The report as well notes that some abuse occurred following visits by Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, to prisons. Ben-Gvir has publicly advocated for harsher conditions for Palestinian prisoners, and his statements reportedly led to retaliatory measures against prisoners by Hamas in response to his boasting about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners .

Broader Context of Abuse Allegations

The CPJ report aligns with findings from other human rights organizations. B’Tselem, an Israeli NGO, released a report in January titled “Living Hell,” which also described similar abuses in Israeli prisons, characterizing them as “a network of torture camps” . Footage released by Israeli media in June 2024 appeared to show soldiers sexually and physically abusing a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention center, leading to protests and investigations.

Official Responses and Ongoing Cases

As of February 2026, 30 journalists remain in Israeli custody according to the CPJ. Israeli government and prison officials have repeatedly denied allegations of abuse. The case involving the abuse at Sde Teiman is ongoing in Israeli courts, with the release of the detainee to Gaza as part of a hostage release deal potentially jeopardizing the prosecution of those involved .

Wider Impact on Journalists

More than 200 journalists have been killed during Israel’s two-year war in Gaza, according to the United Nations. The CPJ has also documented instances of intimidation and threats against Gazan journalists covering anti-Hamas protests, forcing them to self-censor for their safety and .