US Citizen, Press TV Journalist Detained by Israel on Suspicion of Espionage

Israeli security forces detained Naka'a Hamed, a Palestinian journalist holding American citizenship and working for Iran's Press TV, on Tuesday evening, September 15. The arrest occurred at a checkpoint near the settlement of Tekoa, southeast of Bethlehem. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they possess information indicating Hamed's cooperation with an adversary and are investigating suspicions of espionage. The IDF cited her work for the Iranian media outlet as a reason for increased scrutiny.

Hamed was reportedly in a vehicle with a film crew when stopped by soldiers. According to Press TV, the crew was questioned and released, but Hamed was detained. Her family, however, offered a different account, suggesting her detention is linked to her reporting on clashes in the Palestinian village of Kusra. They claim she has been the target of an "incitement campaign" on Israeli platforms in recent weeks.

Iranian media also reported the detention, highlighting previous alleged confrontations between Hamed and Israeli forces. Press TV claimed she was injured by rubber bullets during a live broadcast from the Qalandia refugee camp in December of the previous year.