Twenty Palestinian journalists held in Israeli jails

The number of Palestinian journalists and media students held in Israeli jails has notably increased to reach 20 detainees, the Palestinian radio and television union said in its monthly report.

During March, nine Palestinian journalists were detained in the West Bank and 1948 occupied territories including five employees of QPress news agency after Israeli occupation forces (IOF) broke into its headquarters in Bethlehem. Two journalists of whom are still held behind Israeli bars.

Two detained journalists were held in administrative detention, without trial or charge, the report added, noting that seven other journalists were subjected to brutal attack at the hands of IOF soldiers.

The monthly report pointed out that at least nine Palestinian media reporters were injured with rubber bullets and tear gas bombs while covering clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian youths.

PA forces’ violations against journalists have also continued, the report said, adding that three reporters were detained last month,