Netherlands to expel Palestinian journalist, raising fears of handover to Israelis

Mustafa Ayyash, the Palestinian journalist who founded the Gaza Now news outlet on social media, will be expelled by the Netherlands to Austria, raising fears he could then face a handover to Israeli authorities, Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday.

Ayyash was arrested in September and accused by prosecutors of funneling money to Hamas. His lawyers deny the accusations. 

In a statement, Gaza Now said Ayyash "represents the free voice of Palestine, and any threat to his personal safety or press freedoms constitutes a violation of international laws concerning media freedom and journalist protection".

"The agency calls on the international community and human rights organizations to closely monitor his case and take necessary measures to ensure his safety and protection from any potential threat during the deportation process".