On 30 September 1996, the Israeli army (Tsahal) banned Israeli journalists from entering the occupied territories without prior authorization. Foreign journalists will reportedly continue to have access, barring a few exceptions. According to Tsahal spokesman General Oded Ben Ami, the measure was implemented to “guarantee the safety of Israeli journalists” and to “avoid having to […]
On 30 September 1996, the Israeli army (Tsahal) banned Israeli
journalists from entering the occupied territories without prior
authorization. Foreign journalists will reportedly continue to
have access, barring a few exceptions. According to Tsahal
spokesman General Oded Ben Ami, the measure was implemented to
“guarantee the safety of Israeli journalists” and to “avoid having
to give our forces the order to enter a town in the Palestinian
autonomous region to save an Israeli journalist” (translated from
the French). Israeli radio journalists said the measure was aimed
at preventing them from carrying out their professional duties.
According to RSF, twelve journalists among those covering last
week’s clashes between the Israeli army and Palestinian police
were wounded.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities below:
region
Israeli and foreign journalists can freely carry out their work in
the occupied territories
not allowed to enter Israeli territory to carry out their
journalistic duties, and urging that they be granted such access
Appeals To
David Valilan
Government Spokesperson for the Press
Jerusalem, Israel
Fax: +972 2 664 838
Director
Government Press Office
Fax: +972 2 244 448/ 233 386
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
