Allegations of Torture and Abuse Emerge from Israeli Prisons as Palestinian Journalists Detail Experiences
Palestinian journalists detained by Israel following the October 2023 attacks have reported widespread and systematic abuse although in custody, including routine beatings, starvation, sexual assault, and psychological torment. A new report published by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) details harrowing accounts from 59 Palestinian journalists, with all but one reporting experiencing some form of “torture, abuse or other forms of violence.” The allegations raise serious concerns about the treatment of journalists and freedom of the press in the region, and are prompting calls for international accountability. The reports approach amid a broader context of increased violence and restrictions on media coverage in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with nearly 300 journalists and media workers killed in Gaza since the start of the current conflict, according to monitoring groups.
The CPJ report, released on February 19, 2026, documents a disturbing pattern of abuse allegedly perpetrated by Israeli authorities. The alleged mistreatment ranges from physical violence, such as baton beatings and electroshocks, to degrading and inhumane conditions, including being subjected to excruciating stress positions – in some cases, under sewage water. Perhaps most disturbingly, the report details allegations of sexual violence, with two journalists reporting they were raped. These accounts, if verified, represent a severe violation of international law and fundamental human rights. The documented abuses are not isolated incidents, according to CPJ, but rather point to a deliberate strategy to intimidate and silence journalists, hindering their ability to report on events unfolding in the region.
The testimonies paint a grim picture of life inside Israeli prisons for Palestinian journalists. Sami al-Sai, one journalist interviewed by the CPJ, described a horrific ordeal at Megiddo prison, alleging he was stripped and subjected to sexual assault with a baton and other objects. He reported being left in a “severe psychological state” as a result of the abuse. Other journalists detailed psychological abuse, including threats against their families. Amin Baraka, a journalist with Al Jazeera, recounted a chilling threat from an Israeli soldier, who reportedly stated, “Al Jazeera correspondent Wael al-Dahdouh defied us and remained in the Gaza Strip, so we killed his family. We will kill your family, too.” This alleged threat underscores the dangerous environment faced by journalists covering the conflict and the lengths to which authorities may go to suppress dissenting voices.
Systematic Abuse and Denial of Legal Rights
Beyond the physical and sexual violence, the CPJ report highlights a systemic denial of basic legal protections for detained journalists. Eighty percent of those interviewed were held under Israel’s system of administrative detention, a controversial practice that allows for indefinite detention without charge or trial. One in four journalists reported never being allowed to speak with a lawyer during their detention. This lack of due process raises serious concerns about the fairness and legality of the detention practices. The report also details widespread reports of extreme hunger and malnutrition, with detainees losing an average of 23.5 kilograms (54 pounds) while in custody. Journalist Imad Ifranji poignantly described his experience as “returning from hell,” highlighting the lasting trauma inflicted upon those who have been detained.
The allegations of abuse are not new. Israeli authorities have long faced accusations of mistreating Palestinian prisoners, including allegations of torture and rape, particularly at the Sde Teiman facility. Al Jazeera reported in October 2025 on the history of abuse allegations at the facility. Last year, leaked footage documented Israeli prison guards allegedly gang-raping a Palestinian inmate at Sde Teiman, sparking a scandal in Israel and leading to the resignation of the Israeli army’s top lawyer, as reported by Al Jazeera. These incidents, coupled with the recent CPJ report, paint a disturbing picture of a pattern of abuse within the Israeli prison system.
Ben-Gvir’s Rhetoric and the Targeting of Journalists
Adding to the concerns, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has previously expressed support for harsh conditions for Palestinian prisoners, even celebrating what he termed “abominable conditions” and pledging to maintain food provisions at the “bare minimum” required by law. This rhetoric, according to critics, creates a climate of impunity and encourages abusive behavior. Israel’s targeting of Palestinian journalists during its military operations in Gaza has been well-documented. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Israel has become the top killer of journalists worldwide, with nearly 300 journalists and media workers killed in Gaza since the outbreak of the current conflict.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in August 2025, when Israel carried out what has been described as a “double-tap” strike on a hospital in southern Gaza, killing five journalists, including Al Jazeera photographer Mohammad Salama, and contributors to Reuters and The Associated Press. Al Jazeera detailed the identities of the journalists killed in the attack, highlighting the immense loss to the media community. These attacks, coupled with the alleged abuses within prisons, demonstrate a concerning trend of hostility towards journalists covering the conflict.
International Response and Calls for Accountability
The CPJ is calling for the international community to take action in response to the alleged widespread mistreatment of journalists in Israeli jails. CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg emphasized that humanitarian law sets unequivocal standards for the treatment of detainees and that there must be meaningful accountability for failures to meet those standards. The organization is urging governments and international bodies to investigate the allegations and to pressure Israel to ensure the safety and well-being of detained journalists. The United Nations and other human rights organizations have also expressed concern over the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and have called for independent investigations into allegations of abuse. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently investigating alleged war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, and the findings of the CPJ report could potentially contribute to that investigation.
The situation underscores the critical importance of protecting journalists and ensuring their ability to report freely and safely, even in conflict zones. The targeting of journalists not only silences important voices but also hinders the public’s access to information and undermines the principles of transparency and accountability. The international community must hold all parties accountable for violations of international law and work to create an environment where journalists can operate without fear of violence, intimidation, or arbitrary detention. The ongoing investigation by the ICC, coupled with increased pressure from human rights organizations and governments, may be crucial in bringing perpetrators of abuse to justice and preventing future violations.
As of February 19, 2026, the Israeli government has not issued a formal response to the CPJ report. Further developments are expected as international pressure mounts and investigations continue. The next key event to watch will be the upcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council in March, where the issue of journalist safety in conflict zones is expected to be discussed. Readers are encouraged to share this article and engage in constructive dialogue about the importance of protecting press freedom and holding perpetrators of abuse accountable.
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