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Israel Should Recognize Rights Of Palestinian Journalists

Daoud Kuttab writes on the need for Israel to grant Palestinian journalists greater access and freedom of movement.
A journalist walks through tear gas fired by Israeli security officers (unseen) during clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians following a rally marking the 48th anniversary of the founding of the Fatah movement, in the West Bank village of Bilin near Ramallah January 4, 2013. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) - RTR3C3NU

One of the most basic principles of journalism is the need for members of the press to have an opportunity to witness a particular event or have a chance to talk to their subjects. This principle applies to both Palestinian and Israeli journalists alike. But the reality in occupied Palestine is that this principle is far from being granted to members of the press, especially when it comes to those of the "other" side.

To begin with, it is important to state a fact that few people, including journalists, know. The state of Israel doesn’t recognize the existence of Palestinian media, and therefore the issue of granting Palestinian journalists any rights is not even an issue open for discussion.

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