Jerusalem, December 6 (RHC)-- Israeli forces have arrested four staff members of a Palestinian TV channel in Jerusalem al-Quds in a move condemned by the Palestinian Presidency.

Israeli forces stormed the studios of the Palestine TV morning show as the program was being broadcast live on Friday, arresting the anchor, Dana Abu Shamsiyeh and the cameraman, Amir Abd Rabbu, as well as the guest Mohammed al-Abbasi.  They also seized cameras and broadcast equipment during the raid.  

Meanwhile, the Israeli forces arrested Christine Rinawi, a correspondent for the TV channel, and the cameraman Ali Yassin in the area of Bab al-Amud.  They were all taken to al-Maskoubiyeh prison.

The arrests came as the Israeli regime on 20 November issued an order banning all Palestine TV programs and shows in Jerusalem al-Quds.  The arrests were condemned by the Palestinian presidency, which described the move as an attempt by the Israeli regime to impose its control over Jerusalem al-Quds.

It added that the latest violations would not have been taken place without the American support for Israel, referring to the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem al-Quds and President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as the “capital” of the occupying regime.

Trump recognized Jerusalem al-Quds as the “capital” of Israel in December 2017, promising to relocate the US diplomatic mission from Tel Aviv to the city. The decision sparked outrage among Palestinians, who deem Jerusalem al-Quds as the future capital of a Palestinian state.

The Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation also denounced the raid, describing it as the latest crime committed against the Palestinian media.  Later on Friday, the four staff were freed but were asked not to work with the Palestine TV and not to communicate with each other in the next 15 days.