CPJ documents torture, rape of Palestinian journalists in Israeli detention

The Committee to Protect Journalists issued a harrowing report Thursday documenting systematic torture and abuse of Palestinian journalists detained by Israeli forces since the Gaza war began in October 2023. The New York-based organization documented at least 94 journalists—32 from Gaza, 60 from the West Bank, two from Israel—and one media worker detained, with testimonies from 59 released journalists revealing a clear pattern of brutality.

Pattern of Abuse

"CPJ's reporting shows a clear pattern in how Palestinian journalists were treated in Israeli custody," said CEO Jodie Ginsberg. "The scale and consistency of these testimonies point to something far beyond isolated misconduct." Freed journalists described systematic beatings, starvation, sexual violence including rape, psychological threats, stress positions causing prolonged pain, and prolonged exposure to high-volume sound causing sleep deprivation and sensory disorientation—particularly at Sde Teiman detention facility.

Administrative Detention and Medical Neglect

According to CPJ, over 80% (48 of 58) of freed journalists were never charged, held under administrative detention allowing indefinite imprisonment without charge. At least 21 were denied adequate legal representation, with 17 not allowed any lawyer access. The report documented 27 accounts of medical neglect, including wounds stitched without anesthesia, untreated fractures, eye injuries, and deliberate neglect of serious health conditions. Fifty-five journalists reported extreme hunger or malnutrition. Two journalists reported being raped in detention.

International Law Violations

"When dozens of journalists independently describe physical and psychological abuse, the international community must take action," Ginsberg said. "Humanitarian law sets unequivocal standards for the treatment of detainees and there needs to be meaningful accountability for failure to meet these standards." CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah stated: "They expose a deliberate strategy to intimidate and silence journalists, and destroy their ability to bear witness. The continued silence from the international community only enables this."

Broader Context

More than 9,300 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, including 66 women and 350 children. A US-backed ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since Oct. 10, halting Israel's two-year war that has killed over 72,000 Palestinians. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces have committed hundreds of violations, killing 603 and injuring 1,618. In the West Bank, at least 1,112 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.