Israel cabinet votes to shut down Al Jazeera offices in country; Hamas reacts
Al Jazeera
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday (May 5) that his government unanimously voted to close the local branches of Al Jazeera, a broadcaster owned by Qatar. Netanyahu made the announcement on X,though specific details regarding the implications, timing, and permanence of the closure were not immediately provided.
This decision marks a significant escalation in Israel's ongoing conflict with Al Jazeera, potentially increasing tensions with Qatar, the channel's owner. Qatar has been actively involved in mediating efforts to end the Gaza conflict, as reported by the Associated Press.
Al Jazeera's alleged bias
Al Jazeera has faced longstanding criticism from Israel, which accuses the broadcaster of biased reporting. Despite this, Al Jazeera has maintained a presence in Gaza, broadcasting coverage of the conflict, including airstrikes and humanitarian crises, often portraying Israel negatively. Israel, in turn, has accused Al Jazeera of collaborating with Hamas.
Al Jazeera, which is funded by Qatar's government, didn't respond right away when asked for a comment. Their Arabic channel mentioned the news on Sunday. But their English channel kept running, showing live scenes from East Jerusalem just after Netanyahu's announcement.
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Al Jazeera's English division often presents content similar to other major networks, but its Arabic counterpart frequently airs unedited video statements from Hamas and other militant groups in the region. It faced significant criticism from the USduring the occupation of Iraq following the 2003 invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.
The method by which Israel would enforce such an order remains uncertain.
Hamas' response
Hamas in return has criticised the Israeli government's decision to close Al Jazeera in the country, calling it a"blatant violation of press freedom" and an effort to hide the "truth" of the Gaza war.
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.
(With inputs from agencies)