Israel Cracks Down: Al Jazeera Offices in West Bank Stormed, Shut Down for 45 Days
Israeli Soldiers Storm Al Jazeera Office in West Bank, Order Closure for 45 Days
Israeli soldiers, fully armed and wearing masks, raided the Al Jazeera office in the West Bank and ordered its closure for 45 days. The raid occurred on Sunday morning, September 22, and was confirmed by Walid al-Omari, chairman of Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah.
Nida Ibrahim, a reporter for Al Jazeera, stated that the closure and raid on the West Bank offices was not surprising, given the Israeli government’s ban on Al Jazeera in May. “We have heard that the Israeli authorities will close the office. We have heard that the Government has discussed this matter. and asked the army in control of the occupied West Bank to order the channel closed. But we didn’t think that would happen today,” Ibrahim said.
Al Jazeera Office Closure Sparks Condemnation
The preliminary closure of the Al Jazeera office is set for 45 days, but an order has been obtained to extend the closure period. Al Jazeera reporters are still unable to report news from inside the area.
Walid al-Omari, president of Al Jazeera’s office in the West Bank, condemned the attack, stating, ”Attacks on journalists like this aim to erase the truth and prevent people from knowing the truth.”
The government media office in Gaza has also denounced the Israeli operation, calling it ”extremely disgraceful.” “We are calling on all organizations and media groups involved in global human rights to join us in condemning this heinous crime. This is a clear violation of the rights and freedom of the media.”
Media Rights Groups Condemn Israeli Government’s Restrictions
Media rights groups have condemned the Israeli government’s restrictions and attacks on journalists, particularly foreign news reporters working in Palestine. The government media office in Gaza has reported that since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, the Israeli army has killed 173 journalists.
An Al Jazeera journalist was also injured in an Israeli attack in February, and earlier in 2022, an Al Jazeera journalist died while reporting in the West Bank.
Source: Al Jazeera