Israeli authorities have renewed the order to close the Al Jazeera Media Network’s office in Ramallah, West Bank. The office has been shuttered since September of last year.
According to the extension order, dated December 16th and signed by the Israeli military commander in the West Bank, the closure is extended for another 14 days under the guise of a “state of emergency.” The justification provided is alleged “incitement and support of terrorist acts.” Previous extensions had been for periods of 60 days.
Israeli military vehicles entered Ramallah and soldiers affixed the extension order to the main entrance of the building housing the Al Jazeera office near Manara Square before withdrawing.
In May 2024, the Israeli government approved a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi to close Al Jazeera’s offices in Israel. The decision was immediately implemented by the Communications Minister under what was termed the “Al Jazeera Law.”
In September of the same year, the Israeli military raided the Al Jazeera office in Ramallah under a military order. Employees were presented with the closure order, and authorities confiscated equipment and documents, preventing staff from accessing their vehicles. Since then, Israeli authorities have issued several extensions to the office closure, citing the same allegations.
Al Jazeera Media Network has denied all accusations made by the Israeli government, calling them baseless fabrications. The network has warned that the ongoing campaign by far-right elements within the Israeli government endangers its staff and holds the Israeli government fully responsible for their safety.
