Ramallah: The trial of Rasha Harzallah, a journalist working for the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), scheduled for today, has been postponed by the Israeli military court until December 15. This marks the sixth consecutive delay in her case.
According to Maan News Agency, the decision to postpone the trial was made under the pretext of the Jewish holidays, extending Harzallah’s detention further. The journalist was first detained on June 2, 2024, following a summons for interrogation at Huwara prison by the Israeli occupation intelligence. Initially held for 72 hours, her detention was subsequently extended several times, leading to her transfer to Damon prison.
Harzallah’s legal proceedings began with a court session on June 10, where her detention was extended by two weeks. Another session on June 24 resulted in a further extension until August 11. The latest postponement pushes her next court appearance to mid-December.
The detention of Harzallah is part of a broader pattern of arrests t
argeting journalists in the region. The Palestinian Prisoners Club reports that approximately 94 journalists have been arrested since the onset of the conflict, with 53 currently detained. Among those held are five female journalists, including Harzallah, and 17 are under administrative detention without charge or trial.