On January 21, 2026, Israeli soldiers raided the Ramallah home of novelist and freelance journalist Walid Hawdali, who has contributed to regional outlet Arabi21 among other media, arresting him and causing damage to the property, according to video footage. His family said he underwent a cardiac catheterization days before the arrest, raising concerns about his health if post-procedure care is neglected during detention.
On January 29, 2026, the Ofer military court extended his detention for an additional week, according to Quds Press, which noted that the case was based on “incitement” for social media posts.
Hawdali’s wife, Etaf Elian, told CPJ in April 2026 that he was being held at Ofer Prison. She added that he was only granted one lawyer visit throughout his detention. Elian said that he had a scheduled court hearing on March 29, which was postponed to an undisclosed date due to the Iran war.
Elian told CPJ that her husband has chronic allergies, and that he had lost around 20 kilograms (44 pounds) in detention.
CPJ reached out to the Israel Defense Forces’ International Press Desk for comment on Hawdali’s detention and damage to property but was asked to provide additional “details regarding the detainees’ identities,” information the organization does not disclose.
CPJ reached out to the Israeli Prison Services IPS for comment on the extension and prison conditions of Walid Hawdali but had not received a reply at the time of publication.