Israel has instructed the local branches of Al Jazeera, a satellite news network from Qatar, to shut down. This decision comes amidst ongoing tensions between the broadcaster and the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The closure comes at a critical time as Qatar is mediating ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
The unusual decision, which resembles censorship practices in China, involves seizing broadcasting equipment, stopping the channel's reports from being aired, and blocking its websites. This is thought to be the first instance of Israel shutting down a foreign news outlet within its borders.
Following an order, Al Jazeera was removed from Israel's primary cable and satellite providers. Despite this, the network's website and various online streaming options remained accessible on Sunday.
The news channel has been continuously covering the conflict between Israel and Hamas since the militants launched their first attack across the border on October 7. They have been providing round-the-clock coverage in the Gaza Strip during Israel's ongoing ground offensive, which has resulted in casualties among their own staff. In addition to reporting on the casualties of the war, the network's Arabic branch frequently shares video statements from Hamas and other militant groups in the region.
Al Jazeera criticized Israel for trying to restrict the free press in order to hide its actions in Gaza, which goes against international and humanitarian laws. Despite Israel's attempts to target and harm journalists, arrest them, and threaten them, Al Jazeera remains resolute in reporting the truth.
Since its establishment in 1948, the Israeli government has occasionally targeted individual journalists, but generally permits a diverse media landscape that includes foreign news outlets, including those from Arab countries. The government did, however, prevent the broadcasting of the Hezbollah-linked Al Mayadeen news channel from Beirut at the beginning of the conflict.
Nehad Abu Ghoush, an expert on Palestinian politics, is currently appearing on a live broadcast at Al Jazeera's office in the city of Ramallah in the West Bank on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Israel has instructed the local branches of Al Jazeera, a satellite news network from Qatar, to shut down, further intensifying the ongoing conflict between the broadcaster and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. This comes as negotiations for a ceasefire with Hamas, mediated by Doha, are at a critical point. (Image credit: AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
Netanyahu's office announced that a new law passed recently gives the government the authority to intervene against Al Jazeera.
The Israeli Communication Minister, Shlomo Karhi, shared a video online showing authorities conducting a raid on a hotel room in east Jerusalem where Al Jazeera was broadcasting from. This area is desired by Palestinians for their potential future state. Karhi mentioned that officials confiscated some of the channel's equipment during the raid.
Karhi announced that they have successfully shut down Al Jazeera's propaganda efforts that endanger the country's security. His office has decided to prevent Al Jazeera from functioning in Israel for a minimum of 45 days, with the option to extend this ban.
The restriction did not seem to impact the channel's activities in the areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip that are under Israeli control, even though they are not officially part of Israel.
In the office of the deceased journalist Shireen Abu Akleh from Al Jazeera network, there are items that serve as a tribute to her memory. This office is located in the city of Ramallah in the West Bank, and it was visited on Sunday, May 5, 2024. The government of Israel has issued an order to shut down the local offices of Al Jazeera satellite news network, which is based in Qatar. This decision has escalated tensions between the broadcaster and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. This comes at a crucial time as negotiations for a ceasefire with Hamas, mediated by Doha, are currently at a critical stage. (Photo credit: AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
The choice could increase tensions with Qatar as they are currently helping to mediate the conflict in Gaza, alongside Egypt and the United States.
The decision was condemned by the Foreign Press Association in Israel.
Israel has had a tumultuous relationship with Al Jazeera for quite some time, citing bias in their reporting. Tensions escalated almost two years ago when Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank.
The relationship between Israel and Hamas worsened after Hamas launched a cross-border attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of 250 hostages. The Israeli military's campaign in Gaza has since resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 people, according to local health officials who do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
In December, during the conflict in southern Gaza, an Israeli airstrike tragically resulted in the death of an Al Jazeera cameraman who was reporting on the situation. The bureau chief of Al Jazeera in Gaza, Wael Dahdouh, was also injured in the same attack. Dahdouh, a well-respected correspondent among Palestinians during numerous conflicts, had to leave Gaza after his wife, three children, and a grandson were killed in subsequent Israeli airstrikes.
Al Jazeera is one of the rare international news organizations that continued to report from Gaza during the conflict, showing graphic footage of airstrikes and overcrowded medical facilities, and alleging that Israel committed massacres.
Criticism of the channel has been ongoing for a while. The U.S. government specifically targeted the broadcaster during their occupation of Iraq following the 2003 invasion that removed Saddam Hussein from power. This criticism was due to the channel airing videos of Osama bin Laden, the former leader of al-Qaida.