Journalists in Gaza gathered at Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital have condemned the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) decision to temporarily suspend Al Jazeera’s operations in the occupied West Bank. The move was criticized for being a “crime against journalism” and a violation of international laws that guarantee journalistic freedom.
The PA cited broadcasting “inciting material” as the reason for the ban, but Al Jazeera called it an “attack” on its staff, saying it aligns with Israel’s occupation tactics. Journalists who work for Al Jazeera have been forced to file from hospitals due to destruction of their headquarters and media offices during the war.
Many journalists, including those from TRT and Sahat, expressed outrage at the ban, saying it undermines Palestinian narratives and reenforces Israel’s narrative that justifies targeting Palestinian journalists. Despite frustration, some hope the PA will reverse its decision, citing Al Jazeera’s reliability and commitment to reporting on Israeli crimes against Palestinians.
The move has been criticized by many in the Gaza media community, who see it as a serious violation of press freedom. Journalists called for an end to the ban, saying it hurts more than just journalists – it harms Palestinian people.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/2/crime-against-journalism-gaza-journalists-decry-pas-al-jazeera-ban