This picture shows the Ofer military prison located between Ramallah and Baytunia in the occupied West Bank. AFP
Of 59 correspondents interviewed, "all but one reported being subjected to what they described as torture, abuse, or other forms of violence," the New York-based watchdog said in a statement.
CPJ director Jodie Ginsberg urged the international community to "take action" over the reports of abuse.
"The scale and consistency of these testimonies point to something far beyond isolated misconduct," she said.
The CPJ said journalists spoke of beatings, sexual violence, prolonged restraint in painful positions, and exposure to loud music, barking and bomb noises.
They also described unsanitary living conditions, medical neglect and food deprivation. The CPJ said the interviewees lost 23.5 kilograms (52 pounds) on average while in detention.
Yousef Sharaf, one of the journalists, testified that abscesses formed on his infected wounds due to beatings and that another detainee, a surgeon, carried out improvised operations due to a lack of proper medical care.
Another prisoner, Sami al-Sai, said he was raped with objects.
A third, Mohammed al-Atrash, claimed that before his release he was ordered to cease all journalistic activity: "They told me if you write as much as 'good morning' on your socials, we will find out."
Journalists behind bars
Most of the prisoners were placed in administrative detention, a system that allows them to be held without charge for a potentially unlimited period. None were prosecuted.
Most were prevented from communicating with their lawyers, according to the CPJ.
The nonprofit said Israel's military did not comment on the specific allegations. However, a spokesperson said detainees "are treated in accordance with international law."
The spokesperson added that Israeli armed forces "have never, and will never, deliberately target journalists," and that any violations of protocol "will be looked into."
As of early 2026, at least 209 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza by Israeli forces since October 7, 2023, according to the CPJ.
This brings the CPJ’s documented toll to 249 journalists and media workers killed by Israel across Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon and Iran since it launched its war on the Gaza Strip and expanded attacks to other countries in the region.
Israel has also jailed a growing number of journalists since 2023, many of them without due process or formal charges.
The CPJ has recorded at least 94 journalists and one Palestinian media worker detained between October 2023 and January 2026. As of February 19, 30 remained behind bars.
Since 1992, Israel has been among the countries most frequently cited for torture and violence against imprisoned journalists, according to the CPJ.
*This story was edited by Ahram Online.
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