Israel Orders Closure of Al Jazeera Offices, Escalating Tensions
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has voted to shut down the local offices of Al Jazeera, the Qatar-owned news network. This decision comes amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, and further escalates Israel's long-standing feud with the broadcaster.
Details regarding the implications for Al Jazeera, the implementation timeline, and the permanence of the measure remain unclear. Al Jazeera has denied accusations of inciting against Israel.
The order will affect the broadcaster's operations in Israel and East Jerusalem, but not in the Palestinian territories. Al Jazeera's websites have been blocked in Israel.
This decision threatens to heighten tensions with Qatar, a key player in the ongoing mediation efforts. Qatar's relationship with Netanyahu has been strained, particularly since his comments suggesting Qatar's insufficient pressure on Hamas to accept a truce deal. Qatar currently hosts exiled Hamas leaders.
The Netanyahu government has also had a contentious relationship with Al Jazeera, accusing it of bias. Relations significantly deteriorated following the death of Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank nearly two years ago. Tensions further escalated after the outbreak of Israel's war against Hamas on October 7.
Al Jazeera, one of the few international media outlets remaining in Gaza throughout the war, has broadcast graphic scenes of airstrikes and overcrowded hospitals, accusing Israel of massacres. While its English operation often resembles other major broadcast networks, its Arabic arm frequently publishes verbatim video statements from Hamas and other regional militant groups.
Al Jazeera has not yet responded to a request for comment from the Associated Press. The network has previously faced closures or blockages by other Middle Eastern governments.
Sunday's development also echoes Egypt's shutdown of Al Jazeera following the 2013 military takeover. The shutdown led to the arrest and imprisonment of Australian journalist Peter Greste, who was later released amidst widespread international criticism.