Palestinian Authority Suspends Al Jazeera Activities in West Bank
The Palestinian Authority (PA) announced on January 1st the suspension of Al Jazeera’s activities in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, citing alleged violations of Palestinian laws. The official Palestinian News Agency WAFA stated that the decision was a result of Al Jazeera’s “manipulation, interference in internal affairs, and dissemination of misleading and inciting reports.”
The PA said the suspension was temporary, pending the broadcaster’s compliance with the laws. The move follows Al Jazeera’s critical reporting on the PA’s attacks on the Palestinian resistance in the Jenin refugee camp.
The PA had officially announced the start of the siege and attack on Jenin in mid-December, claiming it aimed to restore order and remove the Dhehehe Brigade and other groups, which it labeled as “outlaws” and “Iranian gangs” from the camp. At least nine people, including children, security forces, and Dhehehe Brigade commanders, were killed in the recent PA raid in Jenin.
This is not the first time Al Jazeera has faced restrictions. In May 2024, the Israeli government decided to shut down the broadcaster, seizing its offices, confiscating its equipment, and cutting off its access to cable and satellite providers, as well as restricting access to its websites.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated after the cabinet’s approval of the shutdown that Al Jazeera had “hurt Israel’s security and incited against soldiers.” He described the network as “the mouthpiece of Hamas.