All Palestine Newspapers

A Guide to the Besieged and Resilient Press of Palestine

Welcome to your guide to the newspapers and news outlets of Palestine. The Palestinian press operates in one of the most challenging and dangerous environments in the world, shaped by decades of Israeli occupation, internal political divisions, and ongoing conflict.¹ The media landscape, publishing almost entirely in Arabic, is a direct reflection of this reality. It is deeply polarized, with most outlets aligned with one of the two main political factions: Fatah, which dominates the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank, and Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip.

The Major Newspapers of the West Bank

The traditional heart of Palestinian print journalism is based in Jerusalem and Ramallah. These long-standing daily newspapers are the most widely circulated in the Palestinian territories.

• Al-Quds (Jerusalem): Founded in 1951, Al-Quds is the oldest, largest, and most popular Palestinian daily. While generally considered the most independent of the major dailies, its editorial line often aligns with the nationalist consensus of the Palestinian Authority.
• Al-Ayyam (The Days): Based in Ramallah, Al-Ayyam is the second-most circulated newspaper and is known for its clear pro-Fatah and pro-PA stance.
• Al-Hayat al-Jadida (The New Life): This is the official daily newspaper of the Palestinian Authority, serving as the direct mouthpiece for the PA’s announcements, policies, and viewpoints.

The Media Voices of the Gaza Strip

The media in Gaza is largely controlled by Hamas. The ability to print and distribute newspapers in the territory has been severely, if not completely, crippled by the ongoing war since October 2023, making online news agencies the primary voice.

• Felesteen (Palestine) and Al-Resalah (The Message): These are the primary newspapers affiliated with Hamas, providing the movement’s perspective on political and military developments.
• Shehab News Agency and Safa News Agency: These are major Gaza-based online news agencies with a significant digital and social media presence, closely linked to Hamas.

News Agencies and Online Portals

News agencies are a critical source of information for both local and international audiences.

• Wafa (Palestine News Agency): As the official news agency of the Palestinian Authority, Wafa provides the PA’s official reports and statements.
• Ma’an News Agency: Based in Bethlehem, Ma’an has historically been one of the largest independent news networks, seeking to provide a more neutral perspective from across the Palestinian territories.

An Unparalleled Crisis for Journalists

It is impossible to discuss the Palestinian press without acknowledging the immense risks faced by its journalists. They are systematically targeted, attacked, and killed while doing their jobs, particularly during Israeli military operations. Organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have documented a catastrophic number of journalist fatalities in Gaza, making it one of the deadliest conflicts for the press in modern history. Journalists also face harassment and arrest from both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.

To understand the situation in Palestine, one must engage with the diverse and politically divided media. Our collection at w3worldnewspapers.com provides a gateway to these vital, courageous, and resilient voices.

A Guide to the Besieged and Resilient Press of Palestine

Welcome to your guide to the newspapers of Palestine, where journalism is an act of resilience and survival. The Palestinian press, publishing almost entirely in Arabic, is fundamentally shaped by decades of Israeli occupation and the deep political division between the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank and the Hamas-led authorities in Gaza. Consequently, the media landscape is highly polarized, with most outlets aligned with one of these factions. To navigate Palestinian news is to understand these allegiances while acknowledging the immense dangers journalists face daily.

The West Bank Press: The Papers of Record

The most established and widely circulated Palestinian newspapers have traditionally been based in Jerusalem and Ramallah. These publications are the primary sources of daily news for many in the West Bank.

• Al-Quds (Jerusalem): Founded in 1967, Al-Quds is the oldest, largest, and most widely read Palestinian daily. While privately owned and more independent than its competitors, its editorial line is generally aligned with the Palestinian Authority.
• Al-Ayyam (The Days): Based in Ramallah, Al-Ayyam is the second-largest daily and is explicitly pro-Fatah, the party that dominates the PA.
• Al-Hayat al-Jadida (The New Life): This daily newspaper is the official voice of the Palestinian Authority, publishing its official decrees, announcements, and viewpoints.

The Media of Gaza: Voices Under Fire

The media landscape in the Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas and operates under the extreme duress of blockade and repeated Israeli military assaults, which have devastated its infrastructure.

• Felesteen (Palestine) and Al-Resalah (The Message): These are the main newspapers affiliated with Hamas, providing news and perspectives that reflect the group’s ideology. Their ability to publish in print has been severely crippled, making their online presence crucial.
• Shehab News Agency and Safa News Agency: These are prominent online news agencies with close ties to Hamas, serving as major digital sources of information from within the Gaza Strip.

News Agencies and Online Portals

Beyond the faction-affiliated papers, news agencies are vital to the information ecosystem.

• Wafa: This is the official news agency of the Palestinian Authority, providing news in Arabic, English, French, and Hebrew.
• Ma’an News Agency: Based in Bethlehem, Ma’an is a major independent news agency that strives to provide a more balanced perspective from across the Palestinian territories.

The Deadliest Place in the World for Journalists

It is impossible to discuss the Palestinian press without highlighting the extreme and often fatal risks journalists face. They are targeted with violence not only by the Israeli military but also face pressure, harassment, and arrest from both the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza. Since October 2023, the war in Gaza has become the deadliest conflict for journalists ever recorded by press freedom organizations, with an unprecedented number of reporters killed. For Palestinian journalists, wearing a press vest offers no protection; it often makes them a target.

Despite operating under constant threat, the Palestinian press continues its courageous work of documenting the daily realities of life under occupation and conflict.²¹ Explore our collection on w3worldnewspapers.com to access these vital and resilient voices.