Israeli Military Fires on Journalists During West Bank Raid, Eyewitnesses Report

Palestinian journalists have reported being targeted by Israeli forces during a military raid in the West Bank town of Kafr Dan. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has sparked concern over the safety of media personnel in conflict zones.

Mohammed Mansour, a journalist with the Palestinian news agency WAFA, was injured when his vehicle came under gunfire. According to footage captured by freelance journalist Jarah Khalaf, Mansour’s car was struck by bullets, causing significant injury. The video shows a chaotic scene as Mansour, visibly injured with blood streaming from his leg, attempts to navigate through the streets. All journalists involved were wearing flak jackets labeled “press,” and the vehicle had a “press” identifier on its hood.

Khalaf, who was in the car with Mansour, described the attack: “The occupation surprised us by shooting at us directly. Our colleague Mohammed Mansour was here in this car.” He added, “The army shot at us more than once, even though we had press signs and were wearing body armor and everything.” WAFA confirmed that the Israeli military fired live ammunition directly at the vehicle, which was transporting four journalists covering the raid. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported treating four journalists for injuries sustained from gunfire and shrapnel.

The violence in the West Bank has intensified in recent months, driven by the broader Israeli offensive in Gaza following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. On August 28, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted extensive raids and airstrikes across various West Bank cities, including Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarem. These operations involved bulldozing roads and demolishing buildings, actions the IDF asserts are aimed at removing immediate terror threats.

Humanitarian organizations have criticized the Israeli military for using disproportionate force, causing severe damage to infrastructure and disrupting healthcare services. On Tuesday, a UN spokesperson condemned the use of “lethal war-like tactics” in the West Bank, highlighting the resulting casualties, displacement, and obstacles faced by aid organizations.

The situation for journalists covering these events has been particularly perilous. On Monday, two Palestinian journalists were injured by shrapnel while reporting on the destruction in Jenin. They had to avoid Israeli bulldozers operating in the area. Shatha Hanaysha, a reporter for Mondoweiss, described the coverage as one of the most dangerous experiences she has faced, citing that she was directly targeted by Israeli forces. Hanaysha sustained minor shrapnel injuries and noted a disparity in treatment, observing that Israeli journalists with the military were handled differently.

Khalaf recounted a harrowing experience from Monday, when he and other journalists were filming Israeli military bulldozers. He described how a bulldozer began to chase them, forcing them to seek shelter behind a wall as it destroyed nearby shops and sidewalks. They managed to escape after a tense few minutes.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, Israeli forces have killed 33 Palestinians, including six children and two elderly individuals, since the operation commenced last month. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militants. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, reported that three of its members were killed in recent clashes.

The targeting of journalists and the broader impact of the ongoing conflict underscore the challenges faced by those reporting from the front lines. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring the events and the treatment of media personnel in conflict zone.