Israel raids Palestinian TV stations in Ramallah

[News_Editor]

Israel raids Palestinian TV stations in Ramallah

2012-03-01 01:24:54 GMT+7 (ICT)

RAMALLAH, West Bank (BNO NEWS) -- Israeli soldiers raided two Palestinian television stations in the West Bank city of Ramallah on early Wednesday morning, Palestinian media reported.

A large Israeli military force along with Israeli intelligence stormed the headquarters of Watan TV and held its TV crew for more than three hours. According to a press release issued by the station, soldiers took their communication devices and seized its equipment, administrative files and its transmitting and broadcasting devices.

The army force, accompanied by Israeli Ministry of Telecommunication staff, also raided the headquarters of Al-Quds Educational Television and seized its transmitting and broadcasting equipment and computers.

Israel said that the television stations had been repeatedly asked by the ministry to stop using frequencies that interfere with legal broadcasters and air traffic control bands, Israeli media reported.

Moammar Orabi, General Manager of Watan TV, told the Palestine News & Information Agency (WAFA) that the attack aims to undermine the Palestinian media's achievement in defending national rights and in exposing what it calls Israeli crimes. He added that this is the second time in which Israeli forces stormed the TV headquarters; the first time was in 2002 during the Israeli incursion into Ramallah.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the raid as a blatant attack on freedom of information and opinion, and said freedom of information is guaranteed by international conventions. Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad also condemned the pre-dawn raid, describing it as an act of "piracy." He stressed that the Palestinian response should entail immediate rebroadcast and continuation of work in both institutions.

Wattan TV and the Palestinian authority called on human rights organizations to provide the necessary protection to the Palestinian media and journalists.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-03-01

[Steely Dan]

Oh the irony! 'Freedom of information' as they put it amounts to nothing more that preaching hatred, blood libel and poisoning the minds of their children with the likes of Hamas mickey, glorifying suicide bombers. Perhaps the human rights organizations that the Palestinian authority whine to would care to investigate the Palestinian media as a whole for it's record of incitement to violence.

http://www.palwatch.org/

[Colin Yai]

Oh the irony! 'Freedom of information' as they put it amounts to nothing more that preaching hatred, blood libel and poisoning the minds of their children with the likes of Hamas mickey, glorifying suicide bombers. Perhaps the human rights organizations that the Palestinian authority whine to would care to investigate the Palestinian media as a whole for it's record of incitement to violence.

http://www.palwatch.org/

Hey Dan of course you are quite correct in your post ,they have been brainwashing Palestinian kids for yonks to kill the Jews , maybe you or other like minded people should go on to "you tube" and view "Children of Hamas" this video just endorses your opinion to a "T"

[up-country_sinclair]

Unfortunately this is just another example of the Israeli regime attempting to cover up or stifle news reports of the atrocities it has committed or is ruthlessly planning to commit.

[Colin Yai]

Unfortunately this is just another example of the Israeli regime attempting to cover up or stifle news reports of the atrocities it has committed or is ruthlessly planning to commit.

Obviously you simply refuse to believe that Hamas and other radical Islamist,s have perpetrated untold atrocities against "not only "infidels" and Jews worldwide ,but also with there two Islamic sects, the Sunni's and the Shia's who are slaughtering each other on a daily basis ,in their vain quest to ascertain which part of their stone age religion is correct ,you will be trying to inform members next that Hamas in Gaza and Fattah on the West Bank have not been indiscriminately killing each other for years, you really are a joke, thanks for the laugh! Edited March 1, 2012 by Colin Yai

[Wallaby]

Unfortunately this is just another example of the Israeli regime attempting to cover up or stifle news reports of the atrocities it has committed or is ruthlessly planning to commit.

Obviously you simply refuse to believe that Hamas and other radical Islamist,s have perpetrated untold atrocities against "not only "infidels" and Jews worldwide ,but also with there two Islamic sects, the Sunni's and the Shia's who are slaughtering each other on a daily basis ,in their vain quest to ascertain which part of their stone age religion is correct ,you will be trying to inform members next that Hamas in Gaza and Fattah on the West bank have not been indiscriminately killing each other for years, you really are a joke, thanks for the laugh!

And your post is relevent to the topic because..........?

I suppose those that agree with what Israel has done only pay lip service to freedom of speech. If you think freedom of speech is important then one must accept that you aren't going to agree with everything, but regardless of what they say, they have a right to say it.

Or is the freedom of speech only acceptable if it conforms to your own view.

[up-country_sinclair]

^^

Clearly off topic.

[Ulysses G.]

Or is the freedom of speech only acceptable if it conforms to your own view.

Most places do not allow Hate Speech these days.

[Wallaby]

Or is the freedom of speech only acceptable if it conforms to your own view.

Most places do not allow Hate Speech these days.

So you don't really agree with freedom of speech.

[Ulysses G.]

Shouting fire in a crowded theatre is not freedom of speech.

[Steely Dan]

Here is the sad reality of the Palestinian media, Fatah channels censor anything pro-Hamas and Hamas channels do the same with Fatah, needless to say any voices sympathetic to Israel or the west are completely off limits.

http://rediscoverisrael.ca/palestinian-censorship-self-censorship-and-failure-leadership

Palestinian Affairs correspondent Khaled Abu Toameh is practically mournful on this topic. "You are funding Palestinian television, radio stations and newspapers with millions of dollars so that they can incite people to kill Jews. If anyone watches Palestinian television for just five minutes, they'll want to go out and stab Jews immediately. Palestinians have been fed a steady stream of this hate for years and your taxpayer dollars are funding it."

[Wallaby]

Shouting fire in a crowded theatre is not freedom of speech.

That isn't for Israel to decide. If Israel does not have freedom of speech that is their decision. But they cannot decide what anyone can say outside their borders. It is not for them to decide how others should talk.

[Scott]

Please be civil and do not accuse other posters of saying things they didn't say.

"...the television stations had been repeatedly asked by the ministry to stop using frequencies that interfere with legal broadcasters and air traffic control bands, Israeli media reported."

[Colin Yai]

Unfortunately this is just another example of the Israeli regime attempting to cover up or stifle news reports of the atrocities it has committed or is ruthlessly planning to commit.

Obviously you simply refuse to believe that Hamas and other radical Islamist,s have perpetrated untold atrocities against "not only "infidels" and Jews worldwide ,but also with there two Islamic sects, the Sunni's and the Shia's who are slaughtering each other on a daily basis ,in their vain quest to ascertain which part of their stone age religion is correct ,you will be trying to inform members next that Hamas in Gaza and Fattah on the West bank have not been indiscriminately killing each other for years, you really are a joke, thanks for the laugh!

And your post is relevent to the topic because..........?

I suppose those that agree with what Israel has done only pay lip service to freedom of speech. If you think freedom of speech is important then one must accept that you aren't going to agree with everything, but regardless of what they say, they have a right to say it.

Or is the freedom of speech only acceptable if it conforms to your own view.

There is a huge difference between freedom of speech to what is going on right now in Gaza and yes even Iran and that is the constant incitement to maim ,kill and destroy a Country simply because of it,s different Religious ideology ,try reading the speeches made by Iran's Ahmadinejad calling the complete and total annihilation of Israel and its people ,this I do NOT call freedom of speech but the rantings of a madman.,and in closing IMHO any words calling for violence against another should be suppressed or deleted ,just like it is on this and other forum's . Edited March 1, 2012 by Colin Yai

[johna]

I saw nothing in this report concerning "Hate Speech" or shouting fire in a crowded theater.

Despite Israeli claims that these TV stations are interfering with “legal broadcasts” (what ever excuse Israel can find will become legal) this was the second time Israel has shut down Palestinian broadcasts.

Israel will not allow Palestine any voice that will contradict their propaganda.

[Colin Yai]

I saw nothing in this report concerning "Hate Speech" or shouting fire in a crowded theater.

Despite Israeli claims that these TV stations are interfering with “legal broadcasts” (what ever excuse Israel can find will become legal) this was the second time Israel has shut down Palestinian broadcasts.

Israel will not allow Palestine any voice that will contradict their propaganda.

And I saw nothing that stated the broadcasts were contradicting/ interfering with Israeli propaganda! Edited March 2, 2012 by Colin Yai

[Colin Yai]

Shouting fire in a crowded theatre is not freedom of speech.

That isn't for Israel to decide. If Israel does not have freedom of speech that is their decision. But they cannot decide what anyone can say outside their borders. It is not for them to decide how others should talk.

Has ANY Country got total freedom of Speech?, I would suggest never in a million years ,for Instance In 2006 the Labour Party in the UK brought in the Incitement to Racial and religious hatred act , do you believe that in the interests of "free speech" this piece of legislation should now be repealed, and any one from whichever quarter should be allowed to either print or broadcast their opinions which advocates violence to those of a different Race /religion with total immunity?, the question is quite simple , any chance of an Answer?

[Colin Yai]

Shouting fire in a crowded theatre is not freedom of speech.

That isn't for Israel to decide. If Israel does not have freedom of speech that is their decision. But they cannot decide what anyone can say outside their borders. It is not for them to decide how others should talk.

I was not aware that the Broadcasts were not watched/listened to within Israeli borders ,unless you have irrefutable evidence to suggest they are not, then Israel has a perfect right to stop them. Edited March 2, 2012 by Colin Yai

[Wallaby]

Shouting fire in a crowded theatre is not freedom of speech.

That isn't for Israel to decide. If Israel does not have freedom of speech that is their decision. But they cannot decide what anyone can say outside their borders. It is not for them to decide how others should talk.

Has ANY Country got total freedom of Speech?, I would suggest never in a million years ,for Instance In 2006 the Labour Party in the UK brought in the Incitement to Racial and religious hatred act , do you believe that in the interests of "free speech" this piece of legislation should now be repealed, and any one from whichever quarter should be allowed to either print or broadcast their opinions which advocates violence to those of a different Race /religion with total immunity?, the question is quite simple , any chance of an Answer?

Yes I do believe it should be repealed.

But what you and me think of a country's freedom of speech laws is totally irrelevent.

What Israel considers acceptable in it's country relating to freedome of speech is a matter for them. But it is none of their business to make decisions regarding anywhere else on the planet. Since when is it ok for a nation to impose their freedom of speech law anywhere other than it's own country.

[Wallaby]

Shouting fire in a crowded theatre is not freedom of speech.

That isn't for Israel to decide. If Israel does not have freedom of speech that is their decision. But they cannot decide what anyone can say outside their borders. It is not for them to decide how others should talk.

I was not aware that the Broadcasts were not watched/listened to within Israeli borders ,unless you have firm evidence to suggest they are not, then Israel has a perfect right to stop them.

No they don't. Israel has a right to arrest those that listen to them in Israel, if that is what they wish. But they have no right to do anything outside it's borders, least of all send soldiers in to shut it down.

The US allows hate speech. I'd love to see Israel soldiers sent in there. Or is Israel just a schoolyard bully.

Edited March 2, 2012 by Wallaby

[Colin Yai]

Shouting fire in a crowded theatre is not freedom of speech.

That isn't for Israel to decide. If Israel does not have freedom of speech that is their decision. But they cannot decide what anyone can say outside their borders. It is not for them to decide how others should talk.

Has ANY Country got total freedom of Speech?, I would suggest never in a million years ,for Instance In 2006 the Labour Party in the UK brought in the Incitement to Racial and religious hatred act , do you believe that in the interests of "free speech" this piece of legislation should now be repealed, and any one from whichever quarter should be allowed to either print or broadcast their opinions which advocates violence to those of a different Race /religion with total immunity?, the question is quite simple , any chance of an Answer?

Yes I do believe it should be repealed.

But what you and me think of a country's freedom of speech laws is totally irrelevent.

What Israel considers acceptable in it's country relating to freedome of speech is a matter for them. But it is none of their business to make decisions regarding anywhere else on the planet. Since when is it ok for a nation to impose their freedom of speech law anywhere other than it's own country.

Please read my post#18.

[Credo]

Is Palestine a country now?

[Wallaby]

Is Palestine a country now?

Who said it was?

[Colin Yai]

Is Palestine a country now?

Good point Credo

[Wallaby]

Is Palestine a country now?

Good point Credo

I don't know what the point is. I don't think anyone has stated Palestine is a country.

The point is that it is not Israel.

[chuckd]

Is Palestine a country now?

Good point Credo

I don't know what the point is. I don't think anyone has stated Palestine is a country.

The point is that it is not Israel.

Then what is it?

[Colin Yai]

Is Palestine a country now?

Good point Credo

I don't know what the point is. I don't think anyone has stated Palestine is a country.

The point is that it is not Israel.

Then what is it?

Hey Wallaby Nice to read that you recognize the state of Israel as a Country ,so sad to read time and again that Hamas does not even recognize its right to exist ,maybe thats why Fattah on the West Bank who want peace, and Hamas in Gaza want the total destruction of Zionism thanks to their Iranian bankroller's are on a virtual civil war footing . Edited March 2, 2012 by Colin Yai

[Wallaby]

Is Palestine a country now?

Good point Credo

I don't know what the point is. I don't think anyone has stated Palestine is a country.

The point is that it is not Israel.

Then what is it?

It's like my golf swing, a work in progress, with many setbacks, but one must keep working at it.

[Steely Dan]

Please be civil and do not accuse other posters of saying things they didn't say.

"...the television stations had been repeatedly asked by the ministry to stop using frequencies that interfere with legal broadcasters and air traffic control bands, Israeli media reported."

This is a good point. What if for the sake of argument any of our esteemed posters decided to visit the holy land to see any of the UNESCO sites of ancient Palestinian culture or perhaps sun themselves on the pristine beaches attached to a Gaza 5 star hotel? I doubt they would be too happy if their plane's attempts to communicate with ground control were interrupted by debates about how best to kill Jews or how to make a bomb in mom's kitchen.

Of course from the safety and detachment of their Thai abodes they do have the luxury to pontificate on such matters.

Edited March 2, 2012 by Steely Dan

[flying]

I doubt they would be too happy if their plane's attempts to communicate with ground control were interrupted by debates about how best to kill Jews or how to make a bomb in mom's kitchen.

Always a flair for the dramatic eh ?.......

Yet it would be interesting if the Israelis doing the raiding......would make clear the claim as to which of the airline frequencies were infringed

Also have to wonder why they ....would seize administrative files ?

Airline VHF frequencies are well known & not used for ground/commercial radio use for a number of reasons...Obviously it would be dangerous but also useless to the ground station to have their broadcast cut every time a mic button was pushed in a plane.... .But that will surely not be addressed.

Anyway carry on with the usual.....

I will admit your flair for the dramatic was pretty funny this time....Bombs in moms kitchen thanks

Edited March 2, 2012 by flying