SAFA- Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) have increasingly turned the use of drones for photography and media production in the occupied West Bank into grounds for arrests, interrogations, and equipment confiscation as part of a broader campaign targeting Palestinian photographers and drone retailers.

According to journalistic sources, Israeli forces have arrested more than 40 Palestinians from various governorates across the occupied West Bank, most of whom work in photography and media production. They were later released after varying periods of detention, reportedly on condition that they pledge not to operate drones in the future, while their equipment was confiscated.

Israeli forces have also distributed warning notices across parts of the West Bank stating that "selling, possessing, or operating drones constitutes a violation of the military commander's orders in the Judea and Samaria area," and warning that violators could face arrest and the confiscation of their equipment.

Palestinian photographer Wael Nazih from Tulkarm said Israeli forces raided his photography studio, confiscated three drones worth approximately $10,000 that were used solely for civilian and commercial purposes, and detained him for one week before releasing him on bail after requiring him to sign a pledge not to use drones again.

The campaign has also targeted drone retailers. Israeli forces confiscated more than 25 drones from a specialized equipment store in Nablus, causing significant financial losses to a sector that supports dozens of workers.

Meanwhile, Israeli authorities continue to use drones extensively for military operations, border surveillance, and activities related to Israeli settlements. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently announced the distribution of drones and vehicles for what he described as efforts to "prevent arms smuggling across the eastern border."

Palestinians argue that banning photographers from using drones for civilian purposes while Israeli authorities continue to deploy them for military and settlement-related activities reflects a policy aimed at restricting Palestinians' access to modern technology and limiting independent documentation and media coverage in the occupied West Bank.