Palestinian Journalists Report Abuse While Detained by Israel
Dozens of Palestinian journalists have alleged systematic abuse, including beatings, starvation, and sexual violence, while detained by Israeli authorities since October 7, 2023, according to a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
The CPJ report, titled ‘We returned from hell’: Palestinian journalists recount torture in Israeli prisons, is based on in-depth interviews with 59 Palestinian journalists. All but one of those interviewed reported experiencing torture, abuse, or other forms of violence while in Israeli custody. The report also includes supporting evidence such as photographs, medical reports, and legal documents.
“CPJ’s reporting shows a clear pattern in how Palestinian journalists were treated in Israeli custody,” said CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg. “The scale and consistency of these testimonies point to something far beyond isolated misconduct. When dozens of journalists independently describe physical and psychological abuse, the international community must take action. Humanitarian law sets unequivocal standards for the treatment of detainees and there needs to be meaningful accountability for failure to meet these standards.”
Journalist Sami al-Sai, who reports for Al Jazeera Mubasher and Al-Fajer TV, detailed a harrowing experience in Megiddo prison, alleging he was subjected to sexual assault involving penetration with batons and other objects. He reportedly did not disclose the abuse to fellow prisoners, only confiding in long-term detainees.
Other journalists have also come forward with similar allegations. Shadi Abu Sido, a reporter for Palestine Today, was arrested at al-Shifa hospital in March 2024 and said he was beaten with batons and kicks while shackled and blindfolded, resulting in a broken rib. He was later released after 20 months in detention.
Mohammad al-Atrash, a radio journalist, described a coordinated assault at Ofer prison in November 2023, which detainees referred to as a “Shin Bet party” or a “Ben-Gvir party,” referencing Israeli far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. He alleged that trained dogs were used to attack prisoners and metal instruments were employed to inflict lasting injuries.
Osama al-Sayed, a reporter from Al-Aqsa TV, recounted the use of electroshocking and pepper spray during beatings shortly after a visit to the prison by Minister Ben-Gvir. Eleven journalists reported being subjected to a torture method known as “strappado,” or “ghost hanging,” where individuals are suspended by their arms.
The CPJ report found that 55 of the 59 journalists interviewed reported extreme hunger or malnutrition, with an average weight loss of 23.5kg (52 pounds) among the group. Photographs shared with the Guardian by the CPJ show the physical deterioration of the journalists before and after their detention.
Forty-eight of the journalists were not formally charged with any crime and were held under Israel’s administrative detention system, which allows for detention without charge, often for six months at a time, renewable indefinitely.
The Israeli prison service (IPS) strongly rejected the allegations, stating that any complaints received through official channels are examined. The IDF also issued a statement rejecting the claims of systematic abuse, adding that disciplinary measures and criminal investigations are initiated when appropriate.
The allegations come after leaked surveillance footage from the Sde Teiman detention camp in early 2025 appeared to show soldiers sexually assaulting detainees, sparking a national scandal in Israel. The journalist who aired the footage, Guy Peleg, subsequently reported facing threats and harassment.
A recent report by Physicians for Human Rights – Israel documented 94 Palestinian deaths in Israeli custody since October 7, 2023. The CPJ has reported that 252 journalists have been killed since the start of the Gaza war.
