Al Jazeera, a network headquartered in Qatar, responded strongly to Israel’s recent move to ban the broadcaster and its activities within the country. They labeled Israel’s decision as “criminal,” arguing that it undermines the fundamental right of individuals in Israel to access information freely.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Al Jazeera condemned and denounced Israel’s action, emphasizing the importance of upholding the right to access information for all individuals.
Al Jazeera Condemns Israeli Ban
Al Jazeera, a network based in Qatar, strongly criticized the Israeli government’s decision to ban their operations due to their coverage of the Gaza war, labeling it as a ‘criminal’ act. The network expressed their condemnation, emphasizing the importance of access to information as a fundamental human right. Israeli
After months of tension between his government and Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the unanimous decision to shut down the channel. Israel’s Communications Minister, Shlomo Karhi, confirmed the order to close the channel, seize equipment, and limit broadcasting to Jazeera’s websites.
Throughout the conflict, Jazeera provided continuous on-the-ground reporting on the impact of Israel’s campaign in Gaza. However, the network faced challenges, including the bombing of its office and the loss of two correspondents.
Also Read: Columbia Protests Witness Jail Buses and Surveillance Drones
Israel Votes to Shut Down Al Jazeera
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that his government has voted to shut down Al Jazeera due to its coverage of the Gaza war. This comes after months of criticism from Netanyahu’s administration, starting even before the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The official statement from the Israeli government outlines measures to ban Jazeera in the country. These include shutting down AJazeera’s offices, seizing broadcast equipment, removing the channel from cable and satellite providers, and blocking its websites. The statement did not address Jazeera’s operations in Gaza.
Israel’s Communications Minister, Shlomo Karhi, announced the closure of the channel, seizure of equipment, and restriction of broadcasting to Al Jazeera’s websites. This decision was made jointly with the Israeli prime minister.
Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted following the October 7 attacks, Jazeera has consistently aired reports from Gaza, showcasing the aftermath of Israel’s actions.
The network’s Gaza office was bombed during the conflict, resulting in the deaths of two of its correspondents. Al Jazeera has accused Israel of deliberately targeting and killing its journalists on the ground, but Israel denies this, stating it does not target journalists.
Jazeera has criticized Israel’s attempts to limit its operations, calling it an “escalation.” They stated in an April release that it is part of ongoing Israeli efforts to silence their reporting.
During airstrikes by the Israeli military in Gaza, two journalists, Samer Abu Daqqa and Hamza AlDahdooh, lost their lives.
Also Read: US Job Growth Disappoints As Unemployment Surges Amid Higher Rates
Al Jazeera Condemns Israeli Ban FAQs
Q.1. Why did Israel ban Al Jazeera?
Ans. Israel banned Jazeera due to their coverage of the Gaza war, labeling it as ‘criminal’ and undermining access to information.
Q.2. What measures did Israel take to shut down Al Jazeera?
Ans. Israel shut down Jazeera’s offices, seized equipment, removed the channel from cable and satellite providers, and blocked its websites.
Q.3. How did Al Jazeera respond to the ban?
Ans. Jazeera strongly condemned Israel’s action, emphasizing the importance of access to information as a fundamental human right.
Q.4. What challenges did Al Jazeera face during the Gaza conflict?
Ans. Jazeera faced challenges including the bombing of its Gaza office and the loss of two correspondents during airstrikes.
Q.5. What was Al Jazeera accused of by Israel?
Ans. Israel accused Jazeera of deliberately targeting and killing its journalists on the ground.
