In a shocking incident broadcast live on television, Israeli soldiers raided Al Jazeera’s bureau in Ramallah, occupied West Bank, and handed the bureau head a notice to shut it down. Despite being located in an area under Palestinian control, the soldiers ordered the overnight shift workers to leave, taking only their personal belongings. This action is not unprecedented, as Israel has acted with impunity across the occupied West Bank, resulting in casualties in Palestinian territories.
The closure order accused Al Jazeera of incitement and supporting terrorism, highlighting Israel’s history of targeting the news outlet and its journalists. The Al Jazeera team was unable to retrieve their equipment and spent hours outside the sealed bureau, fearing destruction of archives. The soldiers were seen tearing down a banner of a slain Al Jazeera journalist during the raid.
The closure order is for 45 days, with the possibility of automatic renewal. The bureau head was informed that any appeals must go through the military command that issued the order, indicating a challenging legal process ahead. The Israeli military courts operate with secret evidence and indefinite administrative detentions, raising concerns for the bureau’s future.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions between Israel and the media, particularly outlets reporting on Palestinian territories. Al Jazeera continues to serve as a vital source of information on Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories, despite facing censorship and harassment. The Al Jazeera team remains unharmed but faces uncertainty as they are unable to reopen the bureau to continue their reporting.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
