Al Jazeera goes off air in Israel, office raided: ‘Mouthpiece of Hamas’

“Israel’s direct targeting and killing of journalists, arrests, intimidation and threats will not deter Al Jazeera," the network said.

Published on: May 6, 2024, 13:15:16 IST

By HT News Desk

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Israel ordered the closure of local offices belonging to Qatar's Al Jazeera satellite news network on Sunday, heightening tensions in a longstanding dispute between the broadcaster and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

(FILES) Employees of Qatar based news network and TV channel Al-Jazeera are seen at their Jerusalem office on July 31, 2017, ((Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP))

This unprecedented order includes the confiscation of broadcast equipment, the prohibition of the channel’s reports from being aired, and the blocking of its websites. It is believed to mark the first instance of Israel shutting down a foreign news outlet operating within its borders.

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Al Jazeera taken off-air in Israel

Following the order, Al Jazeera was removed from Israel’s main cable and satellite providers, although its website and multiple online streaming links remained operational. Israeli communication minister Shlomo Karhi later shared footage of authorities raiding a hotel room used by Al Jazeera for broadcasting in East Jerusalem, seizing some of the channel's equipment.

ALSO READ- Hamas armed wing claims responsibility for deadly attack on Israel-Gaza crossing

Why Israel took action against Al Jazeera?

Al Jazeera has provided continuous reporting since the conflict's outbreak on October 7, even amid Israel's ground offensive, resulting in casualties among its staff. The network's Arabic arm frequently aired verbatim video statements from Hamas and other militant groups.

Prime minister Netanyahu accused Al Jazeera of compromising Israel's security and inciting against its soldiers. He called for the removal of what he termed as “it’s time to remove the Hamas mouthpiece from our country”.

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What Al Jazeera said?

Al Jazeera released a statement announcing to “pursue all available legal channels through international legal institutions in its quest to protect both its rights and journalists, as well as the public’s right to information.”

The network criticised Israel's actions as an attempt to suppress the free press and hide its activities in Gaza, which it deemed as violations of international and humanitarian laws.

“Israel’s direct targeting and killing of journalists, arrests, intimidation and threats will not deter Al Jazeera."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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