Israeli army raids Palestinian media houses

Israeli soldiers raided the offices of TV channels and production companies across the occupied West Bank last night, confiscating equipment and closing some of them, world media report, as carried by Patria agency.

A military spokesperson stated that the army entered eight media houses and that two Palestinians were arrested.

Palestinian reports state that soldiers entered Al Quds channel in Hebron, Pal Media in Bethlehem, and Al Aksa and Palestine Aljum channels in Ramallah, as well as Trans Media offices in Nablus and Hebron.

The army stated that members of the Shin Bet security service and the civil administration participated in the operation, and that media companies spreading incitement material were being checked. Israel announced that it will "continue to take action against incitement to terror" because, as stated, it "leads directly to terrorist attacks".

Al Aksa channel is linked to the extremist movement Hamas, and Palestine Aljum (Palestine Al youm) to Islamic Jihad. Pal Media provides services to international TV networks, including France 24 and Russia Today.

The Israeli army stated that the offices of Pal Media and Trans Media, as well as Ramasat, were closed. In July, the Israeli army raided the communication company Pal Media and confiscated documents and media material.

Last night's raid in the West Bank, under Israeli occupation for five decades, followed just hours after the Israeli government announced it would not negotiate with a Palestinian unity government that includes Hamas unless the organization disarms, rejects violence, and recognizes Israel, among other conditions, reported the Agence France Presse.