The United Nations (UN) Human Rights body has strongly criticized the Israeli cabinet’s unanimous decision to close Al Jazeera’s operations within the country.
In a statement, the UN Human Rights body emphasized the critical role of a free and independent media in maintaining transparency and accountability, particularly in light of the tight restrictions on reporting from Gaza.
“We regret cabinet decision to close Al Jazeera in Israel. A free & independent media is essential to ensuring transparency & accountability,” read the UN Human Rights statement.
Stressing that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, the authority urged the Israeli government to overturn the ban on Al Jazeera’s operations within the country.
“Now, even more so given tight restrictions on reporting from Gaza. Freedom of expression is a key human right. We urge govt to overturn the ban,” stated the UN Human Rights.
Israel Announces Closure of Al Jazeera
The move to ban Al Jazeera, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, comes amid heightened tensions during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israel’s parliament recently passed a law allowing the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed to pose a threat to national security.
Netanyahu, announcing the decision on social media platform X, asserted, “The government headed by me unanimously decided: the incitement channel Al Jazeera will be closed in Israel.”
This sentiment was echoed by Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, who confirmed the orders for closure and the seizure of Al Jazeera’s broadcasting equipment.
The move escalates Israel’s longstanding dispute with Al Jazeera, which it has accused of bias and collaboration with Hamas.
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Despite these allegations, Al Jazeera remains one of the few international media outlets reporting from Gaza, broadcasting harrowing scenes of the conflict and accusing Israel of atrocities.
Al Jazeera Condemns Israel Decision
Responding to Netanyahu, Al Jazeera condemned the decision, holding the Israeli leader accountable for the safety of its staff worldwide.
The network’s presence in the region has been integral to its coverage of the Palestine-Israel conflict, with journalists expressing concerns about the implications of the closure for their operations in the occupied territories.
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The decision to shutter Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel not only strains relations between the two entities but also risks exacerbating tensions with Qatar, which funds the media network.
According to critics, Qatar which is currently involved in mediation efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza, may see this move as an affront to its diplomatic endeavors.
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