Israeli authorities raid Al Jazeera office shutdown order

Israeli authorities raided Al Jazeera's Jerusalem office, shutting it down amid conflict with Gaza. Al Jazeera calls it a "criminal action".

Israeli authorities conducted a raid on a Jerusalem hotel room being used as the office for Al Jazeera after the Israeli government made the decision to shut down the Qatari-owned TV station's local operations. The raid, captured in a video circulating online, showed plainclothes officers dismantling camera equipment in a hotel room located in East Jerusalem.

The decision to shut down Al Jazeera was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet, citing national security concerns as the reason, especially during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Al Jazeera responded by calling the move a "criminal action" and refuting the accusation that the network posed a threat to Israeli security, emphasizing that this put their journalists at risk. They stated their intention to pursue legal action in response.

Netanyahu announced the closure of what he referred to as the "incitement channel Al Jazeera" in Israel following a unanimous cabinet vote. The government's statement outlined measures to be taken, including the closure of Al Jazeera's offices in Israel, confiscation of broadcast equipment, cutting off the channel from cable and satellite providers, and blocking its websites, although no mention was made of Al Jazeera's operations in Gaza.

In response to the closure, Israeli satellite and cable television providers suspended Al Jazeera broadcasts. The Qatari government, which owns Al Jazeera, did not provide an official comment, deferring to the network. Al Jazeera condemned the closure as a violation of human rights and the right to access information, affirming its commitment to continue providing news to its global audience.

The UN Human Rights Office also criticized the closure, emphasizing the importance of a free and independent media for transparency and accountability, particularly in light of restrictions on reporting from Gaza. Israel's parliament had previously ratified a law allowing the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed a threat to national security, giving the government the authority to shut down Al Jazeera's offices for a specified period.

Qatar, where Hamas political leaders are based, is involved in efforts to mediate a ceasefire and hostage release deal to end the conflict in Gaza. The closure of Al Jazeera in Israel is seen as part of broader tensions in the region, with implications for press freedom and human rights.