An international media organization strongly condemned a violent and unprovoked assault on veteran photographer Menahem Kahana, formerly employed by , during a protest in Jerusalem. Kahana was covering a demonstration opposing a death penalty bill recently approved by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.
The Foreign Press Association (FPA), which represents hundreds of journalists across Israel and the Palestinian territories, reported that Kahana was hit at close range by a water cannon while covering the protest outside the Knesset. The force of the water spray caused him to fall to the ground, resulting in injuries to his neck, back, and head, and he remains hospitalized.
An image captured Kahana lying on the ground beside a puddle of white liquid mixed with the sprayed water, as witnessed by an reporter present at the scene. The FPA condemned the attack, emphasizing that there is no justification for such violence against journalists performing their duties. The group criticized the police officers’ lack of professionalism and highlighted a prevailing climate of impunity fostered by police leadership and political figures.
Notably, an journalist serves on the FPA board. The police have yet to issue a response regarding the incident.
In a significant development, the new law passed late Monday by the Knesset mandates the death penalty as the default sentence for Palestinians in the West Bank convicted by military courts of carrying out deadly attacks classified as terrorism. This legislation has faced widespread criticism both within Israel and internationally, with many viewing it as discriminatory against Palestinians.
