Documentation from SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom reveals systematic targeting of journalists, photographers, and artists across Gaza, the West Bank, and Israeli-controlled areas during December 2025. According to SKeyes monitoring reports, at least 13 journalists, photographers, and artists were killed in Gaza, with two others injured in Israeli strikes. Many of those killed died alongside their families, including Mohammad Al-Kreinawi (Snd News Agency), Iman Al-Shanati (Al-Aqsa Radio), and Bilal Harara, each killed with their spouses and three children. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate documented 99 violations across Palestinian territories in December, including 48 cases of detention and prevention from coverage in the West Bank, alongside physical assaults with live bullets and tear gas, equipment confiscation, and detention without transparent judicial process.
Named Arrests and Extended Detentions
Documented cases include: arrest of writer and researcher Sari Arabi (Dec 25); detention of Palestine TV reporter Ahmad Shawar, photographer Bashar Nazzal, and their driver Ayman Al-Harsh (Dec 4); and administrative detention extensions for photographers including Ahmad Al-Khatib (six months, Dec 13) and Mujahid Bani Mufleh (two months, Dec 25).
Suppression of Cultural Expression in 1948 Territories
In the 1948 Territories (Israel proper), Israeli police arrested Palestinian-American comedian Amer Zahr during a performance in Nazareth on the evening of December 27 and raided Haifa's Nayruz Music Institute on December 24, shutting down a Christmas performance. Three participants, a man dressed as Santa Claus, a DJ, and a street vendor, were arrested, and equipment was seized, according to the Mossawa Centre and SKeyes documentation.
SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom has documented a devastating month for Palestinian journalists, photographers, and artists.
Key findings:
✓ 13+ killed in Gaza, many alongside their entire families
✓ 99 total violations across Palestinian territories
✓ 48 detention cases in West Bank alone
✓ Targeting extends to comedians and musicians (1948 Territories)
Named cases include writer Sari Arabi, Palestine TV crew Ahmad Shawar & Bashar Nazzal, and comedian Amer Zahr, arrested during his own performance in Nazareth..
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SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom (Samir Kassir Foundation)
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