Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate Urges Urgent Action to Save Detained Journalist Ali al-Samoudi

The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS) has appealed to international human rights and media organizations to intervene immediately to save the life of veteran journalist Ali al-Samoudi, who is currently held under Zionist detention in deteriorating health conditions. In its statement, the Syndicate condemned the Zionist entity’s systematic targeting of the 58-year-old Al-Quds correspondent and Al Jazeera producer, warning that his detention poses a serious risk to his life.

According to his lawyer, al-Samoudi is suffering from severe physical and psychological abuse, rapid weight loss, and worsening chronic illnesses due to deliberate medical neglect. Over the years, he has endured multiple detentions, repeated assaults, and approximately 11 injuries while covering events in Jenin, leaving his body with bullet and shrapnel fragments that continue to cause critical health complications. The Syndicate stressed that his case reflects a broader Zionist policy of silencing Palestinian journalists through killings, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation.

The PJS also noted al-Samoudi’s role as a key witness in the International Criminal Court (ICC) case regarding the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, and his participation in presenting testimony before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Since October 2023, nearly 150 Palestinian journalists have been detained by the Zionist entity, with about 50 still imprisoned, most under administrative detention. The Syndicate demanded al-Samoudi’s immediate release and called on international bodies, including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), to hold the Zionist entity accountable before international courts for its crimes against the press and violations of freedom of expression.