Israeli armed forces raided Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank, on Sunday, issuing a 45-day closure order, the global news network reported. The raid is the latest escalation in the ongoing tensions between Al Jazeera and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which have intensified since the outbreak of the Gaza war.
The conflict, which began on October 7 after a Hamas attack on Israel, has seen Al Jazeera providing continuous coverage of the effects of Israel’s military campaign. Israeli authorities have accused the Qatar-based network of links to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, allegations that Al Jazeera has strongly denied.
The network revealed that four of its journalists have been killed since the start of the Gaza war, and its office in Gaza was bombed. Despite the losses, Al Jazeera continued its coverage, which the Israeli military claims incites support for terrorism.
During the raid, an Israeli soldier informed Al Jazeera’s West Bank bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, that the closure order stemmed from accusations of “incitement to and support of terrorism.” The interaction was broadcast live by Al Jazeera, with the soldier instructing staff to remove cameras and vacate the premises immediately.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the raid as a violation of press freedom, accusing Israel of attempting to suppress media coverage of its military actions in the Palestinian territories. Mohammed Abu al-Rub, the director of the Palestinian Authority’s government media office, stated that the closure aimed to disrupt media reporting on Israel’s violations.
The Foreign Press Association in Israel and the Palestinian Territories expressed concern over the escalation, calling for Israel to reconsider the closure, warning that the decision undermines democratic values by restricting foreign reporters and media outlets.
Israel’s crackdown on Al Jazeera follows an Israeli parliamentary law passed in April allowing the banning of foreign media broadcasts deemed harmful to national security. Based on this legislation, Israel had previously banned Al Jazeera’s broadcasts from within its borders, and last week revoked the press credentials of the network’s journalists operating in Israel.
Despite the earlier restrictions, Al Jazeera had continued reporting from the West Bank and Gaza, providing coverage of the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militants. Al Jazeera correspondent Nida Ibrahim said the closure of the Ramallah office was “no surprise,” given the earlier threats from Israeli officials.
The Hamas-run government in Gaza condemned the raid, calling it a blatant violation of press freedom, while Qatar, which partially funds Al Jazeera, also voiced strong criticism.
Key Points:
Israeli Forces Raid Al Jazeera Office: Armed Israeli forces raided Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank, and issued a 45-day closure order.
Ongoing Feud: The raid escalates long-standing tensions between Al Jazeera and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, particularly since the war in Gaza began.
Accusations by Israeli Military: Israel has accused Al Jazeera of incitement and alleged ties to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, claims the network denies.
Journalist Fatalities and Office Bombing: Four Al Jazeera journalists have been killed since the Gaza war began, and the network’s Gaza office was bombed.
Violation of Press Freedom: Palestinian officials and the Foreign Press Association condemned the raid as a violation of press freedom and democratic values.
Previous Restrictions: Israel had already banned Al Jazeera from broadcasting within the country and revoked the press credentials of its journalists.
Continued Coverage: Despite the closure, Al Jazeera had continued reporting from the West Bank and Gaza.
Condemnation from Gaza and Qatar: The Hamas-run Gaza government and Qatar, which funds Al Jazeera, both criticized the raid, calling it an attack on press freedom.
