Palestinian journalist Mujahed Bani Moflh, 36, an editor at the Qatar-based website Ultra Palestine and father of three, was arrested at his home in the town of Beita, south of Nablus in the West Bank, on June 28, 2025. He was released by Israeli authorities on January 11, 2026, after being detained for six and a half months.
According to Bani Moflh, Israeli forces raided his home, forcibly breaking down the door, as well as those of neighboring homes. He said he was beaten in front of his wife and youngest child while soldiers searched for his identification. He reported that his laptop, mobile phones, and an external hard drive were confiscated, and that he was blindfolded, handcuffed, and prevented from saying goodbye to his child.
The journalist was initially transferred to the Howara interrogation center and later to another facility near Turmus Ayya in Ramallah, where he said he was left on the floor for hours without food, his diabetes medication, or the removal of his restraints. After a medical examination at Beilinson Hospital, he was taken to Megiddo Prison, where he alleged he was subjected to severe beatings, verbal abuse, the shaving of his hair, repeated strip searches, and other mistreatment, including strikes to sensitive areas on his body.
He reported remaining in Megiddo for 45 days, witnessing the deaths of two prisoners from alleged mistreatment and being held in unsanitary conditions alongside prisoners suffering from scabies and boils. Despite his diabetes, he avoided infection. He was later transferred to Negev Prison until his release.
Bani Moflh stated that he was not formally charged but faced accusations of being a threat to regional security, acting on behalf of Palestinian militant groups, supporting terrorism, and engaging in prohibited activities. He said he believes his incarceration was intended to discourage his journalistic work. His case was heard six times via video conference, and although a court ordered his release on December 25, 2025, his detention was extended administratively.
During his detention, Bani Moflh said he lost 23 kilograms, dropping from 74 kg to 52 kg due to inadequate and poor-quality prison food. After his release, on January 15, 2026, he was hospitalized first at Nablus National Hospital and then at the Consultative Hospital in Ramallah, for a brain hemorrhage and underwent surgery.
CPJ emailed the IDF International Press Desk for comment. It said it “acts in accordance with Israeli law and international law” and that any abuse of detainees is “strictly prohibited,” adding that it investigates specific allegations and “completely rejects” claims of systematic abuse.