Al Jazeera condemns Israeli ban extension, calls for its immediate lifting
News Source
β’Mon, 02 Nov 2026 15:09:49 +0000
π° What Happened
Al Jazeera has condemned Israel's decision to extend a ban on its work for another 90 days. The ban covers its broadcasts, its offices and access to its websites and apps. A Tel Aviv court approved the extension last week.
The Qatar-based network called the move an attack on press freedom and on the public's right to information. It said the decision was based on secret material that neither the network nor its lawyers were allowed to see. Al Jazeera said it is reviewing the decision with its lawyers.
π The Backstory
In May 2024, Israel's cabinet voted to shut Al Jazeera's operations, using a new law that lets the government close foreign broadcasters seen as a threat to national security. Later that year, Israeli forces raided the network's office in Ramallah and took equipment.
Al Jazeera has been targeted by Israel for years. Israel bombed the building holding its Gaza office in 2021, and its reporter Shireen Abu Akleh was shot dead in the West Bank in 2022. Al Jazeera marked its 30th anniversary on Sunday.
π― Why It Matters
When a government can shut down a newsroom without showing evidence, the public loses a source of information. Press freedom groups call this a warning for all journalists.
Al Jazeera has condemned Israel's decision to extend a ban on its work for another 90 days. The ban covers its broadcasts, its offices and access to its websites and apps. A Tel Aviv court approved the extension last week.
The Qatar-based network called the move an attack on press freedom and on the public's right to information. It said the decision was based on secret material that neither the network nor its lawyers were allowed to see. Al Jazeera said it is reviewing the decision with its lawyers.
In May 2024, Israel's cabinet voted to shut Al Jazeera's operations, using a new law that lets the government close foreign broadcasters seen as a threat to national security. Later that year, Israeli forces raided the network's office in Ramallah and took equipment.
Al Jazeera has been targeted by Israel for years. Israel bombed the building holding its Gaza office in 2021, and its reporter Shireen Abu Akleh was shot dead in the West Bank in 2022. Al Jazeera marked its 30th anniversary on Sunday.
When a government can shut down a newsroom without showing evidence, the public loses a source of information. Press freedom groups call this a warning for all journalists.