WASHINGTON, 7 April — The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists has joined the growing ranks of groups critical of Israel’s policy of intimidation, shooting, and expelling journalists in the Occupied Territories.
“Barring journalists from conflict areas constitutes censorship, said Ann Cooper, executive director of CPJ.
The Israeli Army on Friday attacked foreign journalists trying to cover US special envoy Anthony Zinni’s visit with Yasser Arafat at his compound in Ramallah.
“Without warning, one of the military vehicles rammed a CNN car twice, and soldiers threw several stun grenades at journalists... when the convey backed up and tried to leave, the soldiers fired at least three bullets at CNN’s armored car,” said yesterday’s Washington Post.
CPJ has been very critical of on the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in the occupied territories. Journalists covering Israel’s invasion, face a “variety of restrictions and hazards from the Israeli Army and militant Jewish settlers, including bullets, tear gas, shrapnel, and physical assault,” says CPJ.
According to Joel Campagna, Middle East Program Coordinator at CPJ, evidence shows Israelis forces “may be deliberately targeting journalists.”
CPJ has also accused Israel of attacking reporters. The groups said that troops on Monday fired on an armored car used by NBC correspondent Dana Lewis and his two-person crew. The car was clearly marked as a media vehicle.On Friday, Israel expelled crews from CBS News and NBC News from Ramallah.
