Israel's Crackdown on Al Jazeera under New Security Threat Laws

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to close down Al Jazeera news network after a new law was passed on Monday allowing the government to ban foreign networks that are seen as a national security risk. Netanyahu stated that he will take action right away to stop Al Jazeera's operations in the country, as mentioned in a social media post following the law's approval.

Al Jazeera Media Network criticized the new law that allows the prime minister and communications minister to shut down foreign networks in Israel. They stated that this decision would not deter them from providing thorough coverage of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The network emphasized their commitment to delivering bold and professional reporting on the ground. Rights groups have raised concerns about the potential impact of this law on international media coverage of the situation in Gaza.

Approval by Parliament on Monday comes after months of Israel's conflict with Hamas and amid increasing public pressure on Netanyahu for his handling of the situation in Gaza.

Netanyahu's administration has consistently criticized Al Jazeera for its perceived bias against Israel.

The prime minister criticized Al Jazeera on Monday, claiming that the network supports Hamas and played a role in the October 7 massacre. He also accused them of inciting violence against IDF soldiers.

Al Jazeera, partially funded by the Qatari government, responded by calling these accusations slanderous. They stated that such claims not only damage the reputation of Al Jazeera but also put the safety and rights of their employees worldwide at risk.

Rights organizations criticized the decision to close Al Jazeera and the possible consequences of the law. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed their worries in a statement, stating that they were "deeply concerned" about the impact of the new legislation.

Passports of officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) seen after an Israeli attack in Gaza.

Passports of officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) seen after an Israeli attack in Gaza.

Ali Jadallah/Anadolu/Getty Images

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Foreigners working for World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli strike, according to Gaza authorities and the aid group.

Program director Carlos Martínez de la Serna expressed concern over a law that allows the government to shut down foreign media outlets in Israel. He believes this could lead to self-censorship and create a hostile environment for the press.

Human Rights Watch's Israel and Palestine Director Omar Shakir expressed concern over the blocking of Al Jazeera, stating that it is a worrying escalation that restricts press freedom and limits access to daily realities in Israel and Palestine. CNN reported this statement.

The White House also voiced concern over reports of shutting down Al Jazeera.

The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, emphasized the United States' support for the vital work of journalists worldwide, including those covering the conflict in Gaza during a press briefing on Monday.

During a crucial time for relations between the Israeli and Qatari governments, the Gulf State has been instrumental in negotiating a ceasefire in the ongoing war.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas started on October 7 with a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 casualties and around 250 hostages, as reported by Israel.

In response, Israeli forces have been carrying out continuous bombardment and ground operations in Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas. The death toll in Gaza has risen to more than 32,000, according to the Ministry of Health in the region.

Targeting Al Jazeera

The Israeli government has implemented a new law that imposes several limitations on Al Jazeera. This includes the ability to take measures against the network's offices, seize equipment, and revoke press cards of reporters. Additionally, the government can control Al Jazeera's broadcasts and limit public access to its website.

Al Jazeera has offices in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. They have been providing important coverage of Israeli military operations and the effects on the people in Gaza since the war began.

Last month, a spokesperson from the United Nations criticized the reported arrest and attack on Ismail Al-Ghoul, a correspondent for Al Jazeera Arabic, as he was reporting from the Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City.

The network has also reported that several Al Jazeera reporters and their family members have tragically lost their lives in Israeli air strikes.

On October 25, a tragic air raid took the lives of Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh's entire family, which included his wife, son, daughter, grandson, and at least eight other relatives.

Al Jazeera aired the heartbreaking moment when Dahdouh entered the morgue to see the bodies of his loved ones. This emotional scene gave people around the world a glimpse into the sorrow and devastation felt by many Gaza residents during the start of Israeli military actions.

Israeli's decision to ban the network comes at a time when press freedom groups are increasingly worried about the safety of journalists in war zones and the challenges they face from Israeli authorities.

By April 1, 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists had found that 95 journalists and media workers had lost their lives since the start of the conflict.

Palestinian journalists, along with a few international news agencies still reporting from Gaza, play a crucial role in documenting the events in the region. Despite Israel's military taking some foreign reporters on escorted trips inside Gaza since October 7, both Israel and Egypt have not allowed unrestricted access to international journalists.

CNN’s Irene Nasser and Richard Roth contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The decision