Israeli police accused of attacking journalists in Jerusalem during Ramadan coverage, leaving a CNN producer injured and sparking outrage over press freedom, police conduct, and the safety of media workers.
WEBDESK – MediaBites News
Israeli police have been accused of assaulting journalists covering Ramadan prayers near Jerusalem’s Old City, leaving a CNN producer, Abeer Salman, with a fractured wrist and triggering widespread condemnation from media organizations.
The incident occurred near Lion’s Gate, where Muslim worshippers had gathered after being restricted from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound due to ongoing security measures linked to regional tensions.
According to reports, police repeatedly ordered worshippers to disperse before deploying stun grenades to clear the area. Journalists documenting the scene were caught in the operation, with at least two detained and several others allegedly assaulted.
A senior CNN producer sustained a fractured wrist after an officer reportedly grabbed and twisted her arm, despite journalists complying with instructions to move back. Video footage circulating online shows members of the press identifying themselves and stepping away moments before the altercation.
Equipment belonging to journalists was also damaged, and reports indicate that memory cards were confiscated during the incident.
In response, Israeli police claimed journalists had not followed instructions and were “part of the disturbances,” adding that those detained were later released after identification.
However, the Union of Journalists in Israel strongly rejected the police version, calling it “factually incorrect” and accusing officers of deliberately targeting media personnel. The union has demanded the suspension of those involved and an independent investigation.
The Foreign Press Association described the incident as an “unprovoked assault” and urged authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists operating in high-risk environments.
CNN said its team was working within wartime guidelines and called for accountability, stressing that such regulations do not justify physical assault on media workers.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Jerusalem during Ramadan, raising renewed concerns about the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedoms in conflict zones.
