Iran confirms IRIB journalist detained by Israeli forces in occupied territories

The head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, Peyman Jebelli announced an IRIB journalist has been held by Israeli forces in the occupied territories.

News ID: 5878

Date: 28 January 2025 - 15:48

TABNAK, Jan 28: Jebelli on Tuesday revealed that following extensive inquiries, it has been confirmed that the journalist is currently imprisoned and held captive by the Israeli regime.

Highlighting the sensitivity of the matter, the IRIB chief noted that the family of the detained journalist had preferred not to publicize the matter, which has complicated efforts to secure the release.

He emphasized that the journalist remains in captivity in the occupied territories and is not in Gaza.

Jebelli said, "We are hopeful that he will be freed from captivity soon."

Journalists working within the Palestinian territory encounter heightened risks while covering the genocidal war, particularly in light of Israeli ground assaults and airstrikes, as well as challenges such as disrupted communications, shortages of supplies, and power outages.

Despite these dangers, Palestinian journalists continue to document the atrocities of the war, serving as the eyes and ears of the global community during one of the deadliest wars of the 21st century.

Last month, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas condemned the deliberate targeting and killing of journalists and media professionals by Israeli forces in Gaza, labeling such actions as a "war crime."

The statement emphasized that such attacks are meant to “terrorize Palestinian journalists and prevent them from performing their role in exposing the crimes and atrocities being committed by the occupation army against our people and land.”

Since the start of the Israeli war, an unprecedented number of journalists and media workers have been arrested — often without charge — in what they and their attorneys say is retaliation for their journalism and commentary.

More than 200 journalists have also been killed since Israel unleashed its strikes in October last year.

Nonetheless, media workers remain committed to reporting developments in Gaza, even in the aftermath of the recent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.