Ramallah – December 14, 2024 The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) strongly condemns the brutal and savage assault on freelance journalist IBRAHIM MUHAREB, which occurred on Thursday. The attack, carried out by a group of armed individuals in civilian clothing, escalated to an attempt on his life while he was performing his professional duties in his media tent at the Journalists’ Camp near Nasser Hospital.
According to IBRAHIM MUHAREB (32 years old), who provided his testimony to MADA, the assault took place at approximately 11:34 AM on Thursday. A group of four armed individuals, claiming to belong to the investigative unit of the Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip, attacked him without presenting any identification to substantiate their claim. The assailants subjected the journalist to severe beatings, kicking him and striking him violently across his body. They also smashed his head against a pavement stone, causing a deep wound that required seven stitches. Additionally, they dragged him for over 20 meters while continuing the assault. Efforts by fellow journalists and citizens to intervene were met with threats, as one of the armed individuals pointed a weapon at MUHAREB’s head and declared that “a journalist and a collaborator are one and the same”.
MADA strongly condemns this egregious assault, viewing it as a flagrant violation of media freedoms amid the intensifying crackdown on press liberties in Palestine since the onset of the genocidal war on Gaza. This attack is not just an assault on one individual but a direct targeting of the noble profession of journalism and its mission to convey the truth and document reality impartially. Baseless and dangerous accusations, such as labeling journalists as collaborators, constitute incitement and pose a serious and immediate threat to their lives. Such actions also contravene international conventions that guarantee press freedom and protect journalists, fostering a hostile environment for media professionals who are already operating under extremely challenging and perilous conditions.
MADA calls on the responsible authorities in the Gaza Strip to urgently identify the perpetrators, whether they are members of the investigative unit or individuals impersonating them, and to hold all those involved in the attack or incitement against journalists accountable. This includes ensuring they are brought to justice to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents. MADA also urges all Palestinian factions and forces to respect the professional and national role of journalists and refrain from using rhetoric of treason that only serves the enemies of the Palestinian cause.
MADA reaffirms its solidarity with journalist MUHAREB and all Palestinian journalists who work under exceptionally difficult and dangerous conditions. The Center remains committed to defending press freedom and the dignity of media professionals as an essential cornerstone for building democratic and transparent societies.
