Rula Hassanein, a 29-year-old Palestinian journalist, has gained international attention due to her recent detention by Israeli forces and the severe impact it has had on her family, especially her young daughter.

Hassanein was arrested on 19 March 2024, during a raid on her home south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. Her detainment is part of a broader trend of increased arrests of Palestinian women—many of whom are journalists, activists, and mothers—under the charge of "incitement," particularly as tensions have escalated since the Gaza conflict began in early October.

During the raid, Hassanein was reportedly handcuffed, blindfolded, and taken from her home despite her pleas to bring Elia with her due to the infant’s reliance on breastfeeding. Elia quickly became dehydrated following her mother’s arrest and required urgent intravenous nutrition.

On July, Despite the court order for the release of journalist Rula Hassanein weeks ago, Israeli forces refuse to release her to this date.

Baby's Health Needs:

Rula gave birth to twins, Elia and Youssef, last year. Youssef tragically passed away three hours after birth. Her surviving daughter, Elia, required intensive care in an incubator for her first 40 days and still suffers from health issues related to her premature birth : Elia has a weakened immune system, which causes ulcers on her hands, feet, and mouth, making it challenging for her to feed. Due to these issues, she depends entirely on her mother’s breast milk, which has caused significant distress and health complications since her mother’s detention.

Elia became dehydrated after her mother’s arrest and required intravenous feeding.

Hassanein’s request to bring Elia to prison was denied by Israeli authorities.

Her husband, Shadi Brejiya, describes the traumatic experience for their daughter, who was left screaming in distress after her mother’s removal.

Rula detention conditions and health risks

Prison Conditions: Initially taken to an army camp, Hassanein was later transferred to the Hasharon and then Damoun prisons, where conditions are poor.

Reports from her family detail her sleeping without mattresses or blankets and surviving on one cold, insufficient meal per day, no access to essential medications for her chronic kidney disorder. Her sister, Hadeel, reported her appearance of exhaustion during her brief court appearance, where family members were prevented from interacting with her.

Chronic Health Issues: Rula herself has battled a chronic kidney condition called "minimal change disease" since 2017, which requires her to receive regular medical attention and medication. The Israeli authorities denied her request to bring essential medications with her upon arrest.

Broader Implications of Her Arrest

Rula Hassanein’s arrest is part of a concerning surge in detentions of Palestinian women, especially journalists, on incitement charges. Many organizations have pointed out that the criteria for "incitement" are broad and often applied to social media posts that express political opinions. Her case reflects the growing number of Palestinian detainees held on administrative detention, a practice in which detainees are held without charges, subject to indefinite renewal.

Escalation in Arrests of Palestinian Women:

The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) reports a significant increase in the arrests of Palestinian women—journalists, activists, and mothers—on incitement charges. Many women face "administrative detention" where detainees are held without formal charges or trials, often for extended periods.

Source 1

2