By KUNA
Paris : Journalists are being “used” to an “unprecedented degree” by the main political factions in the Palestinian Territories, where about 10 have been arrested since the start of the year, an international press freedom organization stressed.
Reporters Without Borders said that the media are at the “centre of the dispute” between Hamas party, which is “controlling” the Gaza Strip and the party of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, Fatah, in the West Bank.
“Relations between the press and the two rival ruling parties are very tense throughout the Palestinian Territories,” the Organization indicated.
It noted that journalists affiliated to one or other of the parties and those who “claim” to be independent are being “targeted in the duel between Fatah and Hamas leaders, who often claim to be defending press freedom when settling political scores.” It called on political leaders and media representatives to “work together to seek a way to defuse the tension.” Various journalists associations affiliated to Fatah or Hamas have spoken out in recent days about press freedom violations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Spokespersons for both parties have also issued statements blaming their political adversaries for the violations.
Reporters Without Borders said that “in the meantime, journalists are paralyzed by threats and acts of intimidation by politicians.”