In a shocking incident captured on video, Israeli Border Police officers were seen violently assaulting an Arab photojournalist in East Jerusalem as he covered Friday prayers. The footage, shared on social media by Nir Hasson of Haaretz, shows Mustafa Al-Haruf being struck on the back of his head with the butt of an officer's gun. Subsequently, more officers arrived on the scene, pushing him to the ground and further subjecting him to kicks.

Mustafa Al-Haruf, an experienced photojournalist currently employed by the Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency, was documenting a prayer in the Wadi Joz neighborhood along with several other press photographers. According to Hasson's report, an Israeli Border Police officer instructed Al-Haruf and another photographer, Faiz Abu Ramila, to leave the site. Despite their attempts to explain that another officer had given them permission to proceed, they were met with violence.

"We started walking, and then a police officer told us not to pass there. We tried to explain that [another] officer asked us to go through there, but he just started kicking us," Al-Haruf recalled, as quoted by Haaretz.

Following the incident, Al-Haruf was detained before the full extent of his injuries became apparent. The video, which had also been reportedly broadcast live on Turkish television, sparked international outrage.

Taking swift action, the Israeli police promptly suspended the officers involved in the assault. The Border Police Commander acknowledged the gravity of the situation and highlighted their commitment to accountability and maintaining high professional standards within their ranks.

"Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Border Police Commander has immediately suspended the officers involved. This decision underscores our commitment to accountability and maintaining the highest professional standards within our ranks," stated the Border Police on X.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the contentious issue of excessive use of force by Israeli security forces in Palestinian territories. Human rights organizations have long criticized such incidents and called for greater accountability and respect for press freedom.

With the suspension of the officers involved, further investigations are expected to delve into the incident, seeking justice for Al-Haruf and emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights and protecting the safety of journalists carrying out their professional duties.

As international condemnation grows, calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident will likely intensify. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in conflict zones and the urgent need to ensure their safety and freedom to report without fear of violence or intimidation.