Palestinian authorities suspend Al Jazeera operations over regulatory violations

The Palestinian Ministerial Committee has announced the suspension of Al Jazeera Media Network's broadcast operations within Palestine, citing non-compliance with local laws and regulations.

The decision, made by a committee comprising representatives from the Ministries of Culture, Interior, and Telecommunications, also temporarily halts the work of all Al Jazeera journalists, staff, and affiliated channels in Palestine. Authorities have stated that the suspension will remain in effect until the Qatar-based network resolves its legal status in accordance with Palestinian regulations, Caliber.Az reports citing Palestinian media.

In a statement, the committee accused Al Jazeera of "repeated violations of Palestinian laws," including the dissemination of inciteful content and misinformation. The network was also charged with interfering in internal Palestinian affairs, actions that authorities claim have fueled division and instability in the region.

The suspension is described as temporary, with Palestinian officials emphasizing that Al Jazeera can resume operations once its legal status is fully aligned with the applicable regulations.

In response, Al Jazeera has strongly condemned the decision, describing it as aligned with actions previously taken by Israeli authorities.

“Al Jazeera Media Network denounces the Palestinian Authority’s decision to freeze its work and coverage in the West Bank. It considers this decision nothing but an attempt to dissuade the channel from covering the rapidly escalating events taking place in the occupied territories,” the network said in a statement on January 2.

The statement also noted, “Unfortunately, such a decision comes in line with the previous action taken by the Israeli government, which closed Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah.” Al Jazeera called on the Palestinian Authority (PA) to “immediately retract and cancel the decision” and to allow its teams to operate freely in the occupied West Bank “without any threats or intimidation.”

The network reaffirmed its commitment to professional journalism, vowing to continue its coverage of developments in the West Bank despite the suspension. “This decision will not deter [Al Jazeera] from its commitment to continue its professional coverage of events and developments in the West Bank,” the statement added

By Vugar Khalilov