IOF close down leading Palestinian channel, kidnap journalists

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on Friday overnight have broke into, attacked and closed down the Al-Bireh-based leading Palestinian channel, Filasteen Al-Yawm (Palestine Today), in addition to its broadcasting company, Trans Media, in Ramallah, central West Bank, and kidnapped journalists.

Local sources told PNN that intense Israeli troops broke into the headquarters of the channel in Al-Bireh town north of Ramallah, confiscated property, and closed down the offices. The closure came under the pretext of “inciting violence” through material used in the channel broadcast.

IOF also kidnapped director of the channel, journalist Farouq Elayyat from his home in BirZeit town in Ramallah. In addition, forces kidnapped photojournalist Mohammad Amr and Broadcast technician Shbeib Shbeib.

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate strongly denounced the attack saying it was part of the Israeli serial and systematic violations against journalists and Palestinian media; an act that represents Israeli desperation and insolence.

The Israeli cabinet, headed by Benyammin Netanyahu last Wednesday has decided to carry a series of “punitive measures” against the Palestinian media, claiming that it was inciting violence.

Source: PNN