Following a court order in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank last week to close several Al Jazeera websites, a Palestinian Authority ministerial committee justified the closure of the media company’s office in the region. The committee accused Al Jazeera of broadcasting “inciting” material, spreading misinformation, causing sedition, and interfering in Palestinian internal affairs.
Expressing their concern, experts stated, “Shutting down a prominent international media outlet and one of the largest in the region is a disproportionate and severe restriction of freedom of expression, hindering the right to information for the Palestinian people and global audiences.”
“We are deeply disturbed by this assault on freedom of expression by the Palestinian Authority,” they emphasized.
Websites Ordered to Shut Down
On 1 January 2025, the Palestinian Attorney-General ordered the suspension of Al Jazeera in the Occupied Palestinian territory, prohibiting its broadcasts, operations, and the work of its affiliated journalists, employees, and crews.
The decision to suspend Al Jazeera followed a letter from the Palestinian Minister of Culture, based on a decision from the Tripartite Committee responsible for licensing radio and television stations.
On 5 January, the Magistrate Court of Ramallah ordered the closure of several Al Jazeera websites for four months, citing threats to national security and incitement to commit crimes in their published materials.
The experts noted the ban on Al Jazeera came after the outlet’s critical reporting on the violent crackdown by Palestinian security forces in the Jenin Refugee Camp and across the West Bank, suggesting the intent to block international scrutiny and silence criticism.
Importance of Free and Independent Media
“Free and independent media, including international outlets, are crucial to ensure transparency and accountability for war crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” they stated.
International journalists have been banned from reporting in Gaza since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023, with Palestinian journalists facing risks while covering the conflict.
The experts urged the Palestinian Authority not to follow Israel’s example of banning Al Jazeera and closing its offices, highlighting the importance of independent reporting to prevent human rights abuses and violations of international law.
Concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and on journalists have been raised with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities by the experts.
