Palestinian Authority Suspends Al Jazeera Broadcasts and Operations
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has officially suspended Al Jazeera’s broadcasts and frozen the network’s operations in PA-controlled territories. A ministerial committee comprising the Ministries of Culture, Interior, and Communications announced the suspension, citing the channel’s alleged violation of Palestinian laws through “provocative content” characterized by “deception, incitement to rebellion, sabotage, and interference in internal Palestinian affairs.”
The PA accused Al Jazeera of broadcasting “false information” and inciting violence against Palestinian security forces, citing an incident in which a journalism student was killed during clashes. The PA denied any involvement in the student’s death, stating that its forces were not present in the area at the time. However, the student’s brother was described as a wanted Hamas operative, and she had ties to Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hamas-affiliated groups.
In response, Hamas condemned the PA’s decision, labeling it a “blatant violation of press freedom” and accusing the PA of silencing dissent. “This oppressive move is part of a series of arbitrary measures the Palestinian Authority has lately adopted to restrict public rights and freedoms and strengthen its security hold over the Palestinian people,” Hamas stated.
This development marks the latest episode in a long-standing feud between Al Jazeera and the PA. Last month, the PA Chairman’s Fatah movement banned Al Jazeera’s activities in the West Bank, citing its “incitement” during coverage of events in Jenin, particularly against PA security forces. Fatah officials also called on Al Jazeera journalists to resign, accusing the channel of “destroying the Arab world.”
Under the new directive, Al Jazeera staff caught broadcasting from PA territories could face arrest and legal penalties, raising concerns about the erosion of press freedom in the region.
