Al Jazeera has strongly condemned the Israeli government's decision to temporarily close down the network in Israel, following accusations made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding its alleged involvement in an attack on October 7. The Qatar-based outlet has criticized Netanyahu for failing to provide any legitimate evidence to support his claims, labeling them as 'inflammatory slanders' that not only tarnish Al Jazeera's reputation but also pose risks to the safety and rights of its employees worldwide.
In response to the closure, the US State Department has reiterated its support for the freedom of the press, emphasizing the importance of the work done by outlets like Al Jazeera. Human Rights Watch's Israel and Palestine Director, Omar Shakir, expressed concerns over the Israeli government's actions, stating that blocking Al Jazeera represents a concerning escalation that limits access to information about the daily realities in the region.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has also weighed in on the issue, urging Israel to reconsider its decision to shut down Al Jazeera's Jerusalem bureau. The committee expressed deep concerns over the new legislation that grants Netanyahu the authority to take such actions, emphasizing the importance of preserving press freedom and ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of censorship or reprisals.
