From the Israel Archives |
Coverage of the Events since October 2000
Hände weg von Israel und Islam!
Fatah Bans Press On PA-Hamas Clashes
2005-07-20
The Jerusalem Post
www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite? pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull& cid=112179 6128649& p=1101615860782
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday instructed local reporters and photographers to refrain from covering the clashes between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority security forces.
In a statement, the syndicate, which is controlled by members of the ruling Fatah party said that "pictures that some journalists are conveying to the international and local public opinion don't benefit the struggle of the Palestinian people for liberation and independence."
It warned the journalists against continuing to cover the "unfortunate clashes for fear that that they would add fuel to the fire."
The syndicate warned that anyone who violates its instructions would have to bear the personal and legal consequences of his or her deeds.
Referring specifically to local photographers, the syndicate urged them to place the national interests of the Palestinians above all other considerations.
"Refraining from covering these sad events will end the current conflict," it pointed out.
The syndicate also called on reporters to display "utmost caution" in dealing with statements and leaflets issued by the rival parties and to report only on matters that contribute to easing the tensions and preserving national unity.
This is not the first time that Palestinian journalists were restricted in covering internecine fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian journalists complained in July 2004 that their syndicate had banned them from covering anti-PA demonstrations in the Gaza Strip. Some said they had received death threats from top PA officials.
The ban was issued following protests in the Gaza Strip in response to Arafat's decision to appoint his cousin, Musa Arafat, as commander of the PA National Security Force.
Source: IMRA – Independent Media Review and Analysis
