Palestinian Journalist Sumayya Jawabreh Under House Arrest Since November, Banned from Internet
Occupied West Bank – June 14, 2025 — Palestinian journalist and mother of four, Sumayya Jawabreh, has been under strict house arrest since November 11, 2023, after being detained by Israeli authorities while pregnant. The journalist, known for her vocal stance on Palestinian rights, remains confined to her home and is prohibited from accessing the internet, stripping her of her voice and means to continue her journalistic work.
Jawabreh was initially detained for one week while she was pregnant, raising concerns among human rights organizations about the conditions of her detention and the impact on both her health and that of her unborn child. Following international criticism, she was transferred to house arrest but placed under severe restrictions that continue to this day.
Sources close to the family report that she has not been permitted to leave her home for any reason, including medical needs, and is monitored constantly. Her ban from using the internet further isolates her from the outside world and blocks her ability to report, communicate, or advocate publicly.
Human rights advocates have condemned the conditions imposed on Jawabreh as a blatant violation of press freedom and women’s rights. “This is not just an attack on a journalist; it is an attack on the right to speak out,” said a representative from the Palestinian Center for Human Rights.
The case of Sumayya Jawabreh has drawn international concern, with media watchdogs and press freedom organizations calling on Israel to lift the punitive measures. Many argue that such treatment sets a dangerous precedent for journalists and activists under occupation.
Despite these challenges, Jawabreh’s story has become a symbol of resilience among Palestinian women journalists, many of whom continue to work under threats, surveillance, and intimidation. Calls for her full release continue to grow as part of a broader demand to protect press freedom in the region.
