Israeli forces raided the Al Jazeera media network’s bureau in Ramallah, West Bank, early Sunday morning, issuing a military order to cease operations for 45 days. The Qatar-based channel reported that Israeli troops entered the office with weapons drawn and delivered a court order to bureau chief Walid al-Omari.
In a statement, the Israeli military confirmed that the bureau had been sealed and its equipment confiscated, citing an intelligence assessment that claimed the offices were being used to “incite terror” and “support terrorist activities.” The military argued that the channel’s broadcasts posed a threat to security and public order in the region and Israel.
Al Jazeera condemned the raid as “a criminal act” and held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government accountable for the safety of its journalists. The network announced plans to pursue legal action to protect its rights and vowed to continue its coverage. Al-Omari reported that the military order accused Al Jazeera of “incitement to and support of terrorism,” and stated that soldiers confiscated cameras during the operation.
Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi characterized Al Jazeera as “the mouthpiece” of Hamas and Hezbollah, asserting the government’s commitment to combat what it views as hostile media channels.
The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate denounced the Israeli actions, calling the military decision a violation of journalistic rights and an attempt to silence reporting on the occupation’s actions against the Palestinian people.
This incident follows a history of tension between Israel and Al Jazeera, including a ban on the network’s operations within Israel, authorized by an Israeli court in May. Al Jazeera has maintained its independence, claiming no affiliation with militant groups, and has provided critical coverage of the ongoing military conflict in Gaza and rising violence in the West Bank.
Unrest has escalated in the West Bank since the onset of the Gaza conflict, with Israeli forces conducting numerous raids, resulting in thousands of arrests and clashes with Palestinian fighters. Al Jazeera has accused Israeli authorities of deliberately targeting its journalists, highlighting previous fatalities among its staff during the ongoing conflict.
Established in 1996 and funded partly by the Qatari government, Al Jazeera is seen as a tool for Qatar to enhance its global standing. Qatar, alongside Egypt and the United States, has been involved in mediating ceasefire negotiations in the region, particularly following the events of October 7.
