In a move that has escalated tensions amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, Israeli authorities have enforced a closure of Al Jazeera‘s offices in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the cabinet’s decision, citing the broadcaster’s alleged threat to national security—a claim vehemently denied by Al Jazeera.
The raid on the Qatari broadcaster’s office at the Ambassador hotel in Jerusalem was conducted by police on Sunday, resulting in the confiscation of equipment. Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi publicised the raid with a video showing the police action.
Despite the government’s decision, which was broadcasted via the Israeli satellite service Yes, Al Jazeera remains partially accessible in Israel through Facebook, highlighting the incomplete nature of the ban.
The shutdown has drawn criticism from various human rights and press organisations. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) has challenged the ban in the Supreme Court, arguing that the broadcaster is not a propaganda tool for Hamas as claimed. The Foreign Press Association (FPA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have both called for the Israeli government to allow Al Jazeera and other international media outlets to operate freely, especially during wartime.
The United Nations Human Rights office has also weighed in, advocating for a free and independent media to ensure transparency and accountability, particularly under the current reporting restrictions from Gaza.
The backdrop of this conflict is marked by years of accusations from Israeli officials against Al Jazeera for anti-Israeli bias, which have intensified following the October 7 Hamas attacks. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties and injuries, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.
In response to the ongoing conflict, the Israeli parliament has granted the government the authority to temporarily close foreign broadcasters deemed a security threat. Meanwhile, Qatar continues to mediate talks between Israel and Hamas, seeking to resolve the nearly seven-month-long conflict.
Al Jazeera has accused Israel of deliberately targeting its journalists, with several, including the son of the Al Jazeera Gaza bureau chief, reportedly killed by Israeli strikes. Israel, however, denies these allegations.
