Palestinian‑American journalist Naqaa Hamed was released from the Israeli detention facility at Damon Prison on Thursday, ending a 13‑day period of confinement that began in mid‑September. Her release came after an Israeli court ordered her freedom, according to the Middle East Eye.
Hamed was taken into custody on 15 September at the Tuqu checkpoint while returning from a reporting assignment. Security forces separated her from her camera crew and transferred her to an undisclosed location for questioning. Israeli media reported that the arrest was based on allegations that she had "cooperated with an enemy entity" and was possibly involved in espionage activities.
The journalist has a background as a correspondent for Iran’s Press TV, a network that operates in the occupied West Bank. Her prior affiliation was cited by Israeli authorities as part of the justification for the detention, though no formal charges have been publicly disclosed.
Human‑rights groups and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society highlighted Hamed’s case as part of a broader pattern affecting media workers in the region. The society noted that 36 Palestinian journalists, including four women, are currently incarcerated, underscoring concerns about press freedom and the legal status of journalists covering the conflict.
Legal representatives for Hamed argued that the detention lacked sufficient evidence and violated international standards for the treatment of journalists. The court’s decision to release her was welcomed by press‑freedom advocates, who called for an end to what they described as arbitrary arrests of media personnel.
The episode adds to ongoing tensions surrounding the treatment of journalists operating in the Israeli‑occupied territories. Observers continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for transparent legal processes and respect for the rights of reporters covering the conflict.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/palestinian-american-journalist-freed-after-13-days-israeli-detention.