On Sunday (May 5), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his government had unanimously voted to close the local operations of Al Jazeera, a broadcaster owned by Qatar. Netanyahu made the statement on X, but specifics about the effects, timing, and duration of the shutdown were not immediately released.
Israel has long been critical of Al Jazeera, accusing it of biased reporting
This move represents a dramatic escalation in Israel’s protracted fight with Al Jazeera, potentially raising tensions with Qatar, the channel’s owner. The Associated Press stated that Qatar has been actively involved in mediating efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict.
Israel has long been critical of Al Jazeera, accusing it of biased reporting. Despite this, Al Jazeera has maintained a presence in Gaza, airing coverage of the conflict, including airstrikes and humanitarian issues, and frequently depicting Israel negatively. Israel has accused Al Jazeera of collaborating with Hamas.
Al Jazeera’s English division frequently broadcasts content similar to that of other major networks, however, its Arabic counterpart frequently airs unedited video remarks from Hamas and other militant groups in the region. It received harsh criticism from the United States during the occupation of Iraq following the 2003 invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.
Hamas has criticized the Israeli government’s decision to close Al Jazeera in the nation, calling it a “blatant violation of press freedom” and an attempt to hide the “truth” about the Gaza conflict.
The move is “a repressive and retaliatory measure against the professional role of Al Jazeera in exposing the crimes and violations” in Gaza, and “represents the culmination of the declared war against journalists … aimed at concealing the truth,” Hamas said, as reported by AFP.