Palestinian media freedom is heavily constrained

Significance

Actions by Palestinian and Israeli authorities have suppressed media freedom and freedom of expression in the West Bank and Gaza (WBG) in the last 15 months. This has restricted the flow of fair and accurate information from the area, with implications for local, national and international politics.

Impacts

• Online and physical violence against journalists is likely to increase in the run up to elections in Israel and the WBG.
• People will turn to more readily available unverified news sources and social media where the potential for bias and distortion is greater.
• The narratives of conflict and occupation will dominate the media, reflecting the views of those in power rather than the public interest.
• Any small chances of change, social cohesion and peace will be undermined by the lack of freedom of expression in the WBG.