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Gaza Press Freedom Shrivels Amid Journalist Persecution

Gaza's journalists are increasingly subject to arrest and intimidation under Hamas, reports Hazem Balousha.
Senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is seen on a video camera as he delivers a speech after an eight-day conflict in Gaza City November 22, 2012. A ceasefire between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers took hold on Thursday after eight days of conflict, although deep mistrust on both sides cast doubt on how long the Egyptian-sponsored deal can last. REUTERS/Ahmed Zakot (GAZA - Tags: MILITARY CONFLICT POLITICS) - RTR3AQB2

The local Palestinian media lack boldness in tackling sensitive issues. They merely focus on political news and reports, without getting into serious investigations that touch upon the concerns of the people, corruption cases or the stories of suffering that might criticize the performance of the ruling organizations. The situation is not made any better by the political pressure arising from the Palestinian status quo, torn by the divisions and political bias of most media channels.

The political division that led to the formation of two almost separate entities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip urged Palestinian journalists to establish two syndicates that fight over the right to represent the press. One of the syndicates is in the Gaza Strip and includes Hamas and Islamic Jihad journalists, while the other is in the West Bank and includes the journalists of Fatah and the other factions of the PLO. 

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