Al Jazeera condemns the Palestinian security service’s attack on its journalist

Doha, Qatar: Al Jazeera Media Network has strongly condemned the attack by a Palestinian Authority security official on its West Bank correspondent Laith Jaar (pictured) while he was reporting on the Israeli bombing of the Tulkarm refugee camp.

According to Laith’s statement, security guard Ahmad Ghassan Quzah attacked him and threatened to shoot him. The network also condemned Laith’s subsequent detention and arrest by national security, while also filing a complaint against the security officer who assaulted him. The network viewed this action as part of a systematic smear campaign against Laith and Al Jazeera’s reporting.

This attack and arrest represent a serious escalation and a clear violation of the rights of journalists and contribute to the ongoing systematic attacks on our reporters in the Palestinian territories, particularly following the illegal closure of the Al Jazeera office in Ramallah by the Israeli occupation authorities .

Al Jazeera stressed the need to protect journalists and their right to carry out their professional duties without threats or intimidation. Any attack that violates this right is intolerable.

Al Jazeera called on those responsible in the Palestinian Authority to immediately release Laith Jaar, launch an urgent and comprehensive investigation into this incident, and hold those responsible for the incitement and attack accountable with the utmost seriousness and transparency.

The network also stressed the need to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of journalists and prevent such violations from occurring again.

Al Jazeera Media Network reiterated its unwavering commitment to spreading the truth and exposing all violations, saying it will not abdicate its journalistic responsibilities, regardless of the challenges and pressures.