The Israeli military court at Ofer has extended the detention of Palestinian journalist and Al Mayadeen’s bureau chief in the occupied Palestinian territories, Nasser al-Lahham, until next Tuesday for “continued interrogation,” according to a joint statement by the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS).

Earlier today, the head of the PPS, Abdullah al-Zaghari, told Al Mayadeen that al-Lahham underwent an interrogation session yesterday at the Moskobiya detention center. He affirmed that the occupation is attempting to level baseless accusations against al-Lahham, adding that the defense team intends to file an appeal if the detention is further extended.

On Thursday, he confirmed that al-Lahham was being subjected to interrogation proceedings before the Israeli military court at Ofer prison, following his arrest from his residence in Beit Lahm several days ago.

At the time, al-Zaghari stated that al-Lahham appeared in court, amid indications that the Israeli authorities plan to extend his detention under the pretext of “continuing the investigation.”

He added that several legal outcomes remain under consideration: al-Lahham may be released, his detention may be further extended pending investigation, or he could be placed under administrative detention.

What is administrative detention?

Administrative detention permits "Israel" to hold Palestinians without formal charges for up to six months at a time, with the option for indefinite renewals. This practice enables military prosecutors to withhold evidence from suspects while arguing that the individual poses a significant threat despite insufficient evidence for an indictment.

Israeli authorities have significantly escalated their use of administrative detention against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. This increase in arbitrary detentions, along with extended emergency measures that enable inhumane treatment of Palestinians, has been accompanied by a lack of investigation into incidents of torture and deaths in Israeli detention recently.

Released detainees, human rights lawyers, and video evidence have provided accounts of the severe torture and mistreatment prisoners have endured, including violent beatings, sexual abuse, forced humiliation, and cruel treatment such as being forced to kneel during inmate counts or sing Israeli songs.

Administrative detention is one of the key tools through which "Israel" has enforced its system of apartheid against Palestinians. Testimonies and video evidence also point to numerous incidents of torture and other ill-treatment by Israeli forces, including severe beatings and deliberate humiliation of Palestinians who are detained in dire conditions.

Dozens of Palestinian journalists remain in detention 

The Palestinian Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club have reported on Sunday that at least 193 journalists have been arrested or detained by Israeli forces since the beginning of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Among them, 50 journalists remain imprisoned, including al-Lahham.

The two organizations warned of a dangerous escalation in the targeting of media professionals, stressing that "Israel’s" actions constitute a systematic campaign to silence the press and obstruct coverage of its crimes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

UN urges press freedom amid arrest of Al Mayadeen’s Nasser Al-Lahham

In a similar context, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, called on Friday for clarity surrounding the arrest of al-Lahham, emphasizing the necessity of allowing journalists to operate freely, without fear of imprisonment or any form of intimidation.

His remarks came during a press conference in response to Al Mayadeen’s inquiry about whether UN Secretary-General António Guterres has been urging the release of detained media personnel, including al-Lahham.

Dujarric expressed serious concern regarding the situation of journalists in occupied Palestine, stating: “Not only is there a shortage of journalists in Gaza, but there has also been harassment against journalists in both Gaza and the West Bank throughout the conflict in general.”

Al Mayadeen demands clear UN position

Al Mayadeen had previously submitted an official letter to the UN spokesperson on the day of al-Lahham’s arrest, urging the United Nations to take a clear position on the arbitrary and unjustified detention. No formal response was received.

During the most recent press briefing on July 7, Al Mayadeen reiterated its demand for a concrete stance, especially in light of the ongoing targeting of Palestinian media professionals.

Al Mayadeen labeled al-Lahham's detention as part of a wider campaign of repression carried out by Israeli authorities against Palestinian journalists.

"We are not surprised by the occupation’s sadistic practices," Al Mayadeen said, "nor by its persistent hostility toward journalism, journalists, and the right to report the truth."

This is not the first time al-Lahham has been targeted by Israeli forces. In late October 2023, Israeli forces raided al-Lahham’s home, assaulting his wife and children, conducting an intrusive search, and detaining his two sons, Basil and Basel.

Read more: Al Mayadeen holds Beirut, Tehran rallies in support of Nasser Lahham