Israel Raids Al Jazeera Office and Suspends Broadcast Following Shutdown Order
Credit: NDTV News
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06.05.2024: Israeli authorities took action against Al Jazeera’s local operations in Jerusalem, raiding their office in a hotel room after a shutdown order from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet. The decision to shut down Al Jazeera was made in response to concerns about national security during the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The raid, which occurred in a hotel room in East Jerusalem, saw plainclothes officers dismantling camera equipment used by Al Jazeera. This move came after the network criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza and reported extensively from the region during the conflict.
Al Jazeera condemned the shutdown as a “criminal action” and refuted claims that it posed a threat to Israeli security, calling such accusations “dangerous and ridiculous lies.” The network vowed to pursue legal measures in response.
Netanyahu announced the closure on social media following a unanimous cabinet vote, detailing measures such as confiscating broadcast equipment, blocking the channel from cable and satellite providers, and shutting down its offices in Israel.
This decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the UN Human Rights Office, which emphasized the importance of a free and independent media for transparency and accountability, especially in conflict zones like Gaza.
The closure comes amid heightened tensions and international efforts, including mediation by Qatar, to secure a ceasefire and facilitate a resolution to the Gaza conflict.