Israel Closes Al Jazeera Facilities

The ban comes after Al Jazeera presented a well-documented report suggesting that Israel was responsible for the attack on Al-Ahli Hospital.

On Friday, the Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi announced the closure of the Qatari news network Al Jazeera.

This decision was justified by citing new policies that allow the temporary shutdown of foreign media outlets in case of emergencies. In this instance, Israel views Al Jazeera as a pro-Islamic and pro-Palestinian media organization.

"Al Jazeera's broadcasts and reports constitute incitement against Israel. Their propaganda supports Hamas, the Islamic State, and other terrorist organizations, promoting violence against Israel," Karhi stated.

Approved by the Defense Ministry, currenty Israeli policies empower the Communications ministry to order any media outlet to cease broadcasting and publishing content, as well as to close their offices and seize their equipment.

#FromTheSouth News Bits | Palestinian residents denounce the worsening Israeli siege. pic.twitter.com/Rw1fXvt5Lp — teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 19, 2023

"The closure of the Al Jazeera network in Israel follows the presentation of evidence that it aids the enemy, disseminates propaganda in the service of Hamas in Arabic and English to viewers worldwide, and even provides sensitive information to our adversaries."

"Israel is at war on land, in the air, at sea, and on the front of public diplomacy. We will not tolerate broadcasts that threaten the security of the State," Karhi declared, emphasizing that the measure will be valid for 30 days and may be extended for an additional 30 days.

The ban on Al Jazeera comes after the media outlet presented a well-documented report suggesting that the Israeli armed forces were responsible for the attack on Al-Ahli Hospital, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 500 Palestinians. The Al Jazeera report also disputed the claim that the Palestinian resistance was behind the aggression.