Al Jazeera condemns the assault on its journalist Laith Jaar by Palestinian Security

Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemns the assault by a member of the Palestinian Authority’s security on its correspondent, Laith Jaar, in the West Bank while he was covering the Israeli bombardment of the Tulkarm refugee camp. According to Laith’s testimony, security officer Ahmad Ghassan Quzah assaulted him and threatened to shoot him.

The Network also condemns the subsequent detention and arrest of Laith by the national security, while filing a complaint against the security officer who assaulted him. The Network consider this action is part of a systematic incitement campaign against Laith and Al Jazeera’s coverage.

This attack and arrest represent a serious escalation and a clear violation of journalists’ rights, adding to the ongoing systematic targeting of our reporters in the Palestinian territories, particularly following the illegal closure of the Al Jazeera bureau in Ramallah by the Israeli occupation authorities.

Al Jazeera emphasises the need to protect journalists and their right to perform their professional duties without threats or intimidation. Any attack infringing upon this right is intolerable.

Al Jazeera calls on the responsible entities in the Palestinian Authority to immediately release our colleague Laith Jaar, open an urgent and comprehensive investigation into this incident, and hold those responsible for the incitement and attack accountable with the utmost seriousness and transparency.

The Network also stresses the need to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of journalists and prevent the recurrence of such violations.

Al Jazeera Media Network reaffirms its unwavering commitment to conveying the truth and exposing all violations, and it will not back down from its journalistic responsibilities, regardless of the challenges and pressures.

Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemns the assault by a member of the Palestinian Authority’s security on its correspondent, Laith Jaar, in the West Bank while he was covering the Israeli bombardment of the Tulkarm refugee camp. According to Laith’s testimony, security officer Ahmad Ghassan Quzah assaulted him and threatened to shoot him.

The Network also condemns the subsequent detention and arrest of Laith by the national security, while filing a complaint against the security officer who assaulted him. The Network consider this action is part of a systematic incitement campaign against Laith and Al Jazeera’s coverage.

This attack and arrest represent a serious escalation and a clear violation of journalists’ rights, adding to the ongoing systematic targeting of our reporters in the Palestinian territories, particularly following the illegal closure of the Al Jazeera bureau in Ramallah by the Israeli occupation authorities.

Al Jazeera emphasises the need to protect journalists and their right to perform their professional duties without threats or intimidation. Any attack infringing upon this right is intolerable.

Al Jazeera calls on the responsible entities in the Palestinian Authority to immediately release our colleague Laith Jaar, open an urgent and comprehensive investigation into this incident, and hold those responsible for the incitement and attack accountable with the utmost seriousness and transparency.

The Network also stresses the need to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of journalists and prevent the recurrence of such violations.

Al Jazeera Media Network reaffirms its unwavering commitment to conveying the truth and exposing all violations, and it will not back down from its journalistic responsibilities, regardless of the challenges and pressures.