Hamas condemns arrest, attack on journalist by PA security services

The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas condemned the “deliberate incitement campaign” against journalist Laith Jaar, the Al Jazeera correspondent in the West Bank, denouncing: “The physical assault against him by a member of the PA security forces, and his arrest and detention while he was filing a complaint against the officer who assaulted him.”

The movement asserted in a press statement received by Quds Press on Friday: “We condemn these unacceptable practices against the journalist Jaar, and we consider these behaviours as a threat to the lives of journalists, restricting and preventing them from practising their work and fulfilling their mission, especially given the sensitive circumstances on the ground that the West Bank is experiencing, along with the escalating Zionist aggression.”

It urged: “The PA leadership to stop its security forces from violating journalists, hold the attackers accountable to ensure that no attack is repeated, work to provide a safe environment for journalistic work, ensuring the safety of journalists, and that they will not be violated or pursued.”

It also called for: “Stopping the incitement campaign against all journalists and activists, and focussing efforts against the occupation and its ongoing crimes against our people and our land.”

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