The American Society of Newspaper Editors calls upon the government of Israel and, specifically, the Israeli Defense Forces operating in the West Bank, to cease any acts of violence or intimidation of journalists or support staff working in or near military operations.

ASNE directors also call upon the Palestinian authorities to treat journalists and staff as noncombatant neutrals with a legitimate right to carry out their professional mission in the West Bank.

We are, however, specifically disturbed by a series of incidents in recent days that appear to involve IDF units deliberately taking action against journalists of various nationalities and media. Several journalists have come under fire from positions controlled by Israeli military units, and at least six individuals have been wounded, including a staff reporter of The Boston Globe. Other journalists, translators and support staff, including Europeans and Arabs, also have been targeted.