Israeli army raids and closes Al Jazeera bureau in occupied West Bank | DW News

Summary

The Israeli Army has raided and closed Al Jazeera's office in the occupied West Bank, citing claims that the network incites terrorism and threatens public security. Al Jazeera's operations in East Jerusalem were also shut down months earlier. The move has been condemned by press freedom organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, which views it as an attack on journalistic freedom. Al Jazeera's broadcasts are vital for international coverage of the region, and the closure raises concerns about media freedom and the public's right to know. The legality of the shutdown is under scrutiny.

Takeaways

• 🔴 The Israeli Army raided and shut down Al Jazeera's bureau in the occupied West Bank.
• 🔒 Israel imposed a 45-day shutdown of the office, following the closure of Al Jazeera's East Jerusalem office months earlier.
• 🎥 Heavily armed and masked Israeli troops were shown entering the premises in Ramallah.
• 📣 The Foreign Press Association condemned the raid, warning of a shift away from democratic values.
• 🚫 Israeli military accused Al Jazeera of inciting terrorism and endangering security and public order.
• 🤨 Reporters Without Borders' General Director, Thibault Breuil, called the Israeli military's accusations against Al Jazeera preposterous.
• 📰 Al Jazeera is perceived as facing targeted persecution in Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank.
• 🌍 Al Jazeera plays a key role in broadcasting stories that would otherwise remain local, contributing to international awareness.
• ⚠️ The closure could lead to a dangerous situation where only propagandists or those embedded with Israeli forces provide reports.
• ❓ The legality of the shutdown is questioned, as broadcasting permits in the West Bank are issued by Palestinian authorities.

Q & A

What action did the Israeli Army take against Al Jazeera's office in the occupied West Bank?

The Israeli Army raided and closed the Bureau of Media Network Al Jazeera in the occupied West Bank.

What was the footage aired by the Qatari broadcaster showing?

The footage showed heavily armed and masked troops entering Al Jazeera's premises in Ramallah.

How long has Israel ordered the shutdown of Al Jazeera?

Israel has ordered a 45-day shutdown.

What did the Foreign Press Association in Israel and the Palestinian territories say about the raid?

The Foreign Press Association condemned the raid, stating it signals a shift away from democratic values.

What is the Israeli military's allegation against Al Jazeera's newsroom?

The Israeli military alleges that Al Jazeera's newsroom is being used to incite terrorism and support terrorist activities, endangering security and public order.

How does TBO Brut, the general director of Reporters Without Borders, describe the Israeli military's statement about Al Jazeera?

TBO Brut describes the statement as preposterous but in line with past statements from the Israeli Defense Forces regarding journalism.

What is the specific persecution TBO Brut mentions that Al Jazeera is facing?

TBO Brut refers to the Israeli authorities' will to have specific laws and regulations targeting Al Jazeera to deprive the media outlet from continuing its activities.

Why is Al Jazeera considered significant within the region?

Al Jazeera is known for its reports that are numerous, accurate, and in line with international standards of journalism, making it one of the most seen channels within the region.

How does the closure of Al Jazeera's office affect press freedom in the Palestinian territories?

The closure could lead to a dangerous zone where there is no free reporting, leaving only propagandist sources or those embedded within the Israeli Defense Forces.

What role does Al Jazeera play in reporting on Gaza and the West Bank?

Al Jazeera plays a specific role in picking up stories that could otherwise remain at a national or local level and spreading information at the international level.

What needs to be done to improve media freedom in the Palestinian territories according to TBO Brut?

TBO Brut suggests that the legality of the closure needs to be questioned, as the Palestinian authorities issued the permit to broadcast in the West Bank.