Palestinian journalists allege ‘systematic abuse’ in Israeli prisons, report says; IDF denies mistreatment

Palestinian journalists held in Israeli prisons from October 2023 to January 2026 have suffered “systematic abuse,” according to a Committee to Protect Journalists report published today.

The IDF and Israel Prison Service deny mistreating the journalists.

Of 59 correspondents interviewed, “all but one reported being subjected to what they described as torture, abuse, or other forms of violence,” the New York-based watchdog says in a statement.

CPJ director Jodie Ginsberg urges the international community to “take action” over the reports of abuse.

“The scale and consistency of these testimonies point to something far beyond isolated misconduct,” she says.

The CPJ says journalists spoke of beatings, sexual violence, prolonged restraint in painful positions, and exposure to loud music, barking and bomb noises.

They also described unsanitary living conditions, medical neglect and food deprivation. The CPJ says the interviewees lost 23.5 kilograms (52 pounds) on average while in detention.

The time period surveyed stretches back to the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack that launched the war in Gaza.

Most of the prisoners were placed in administrative detention, a controversial system that allows them to be held without charge for a potentially unlimited period. None were prosecuted.

Most were prevented from communicating with their lawyers, according to the CPJ.

The nonprofit says the IDF did not comment on the specific allegations. However, a spokesperson for the military says detainees “are treated in accordance with international law.”

The spokesperson adds that Israeli forces “have never, and will never, deliberately target journalists,” and that any violations of protocol “will be looked into.”

Israel’s prison service, also contacted by CPJ on the allegations, says that to its knowledge “no such events have occurred.”

It also says all prisoners are detained according to the law with basic rights fully upheld, and that they can file complaints as needed.