Israel ceased the broadcast of the Al Jazeera channel in both Arabic and English languages on Sunday, a move triggered by escalating tensions following the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The decision to close the Qatari-owned channel in Israel for a period of 45 days, with the possibility of extension, was implemented shortly after the government announcement.
Screens turned black with a message in Hebrew indicating that the broadcast had been halted in Israel, as observed by the French Press Agency.
Television service providers via satellite and cable in Israel followed suit, suspending the airing of Al Jazeera following the government’s directive.
Earlier, the Israeli Ministry of Communications announced a police raid on the Al Jazeera office in Jerusalem in response to the government’s decision to shut down the channel.
A circulated online video showed individuals in civilian clothes dismantling filming equipment in a room in a hotel, with a source confirming it was located in East Jerusalem.
The Netanyahu government justified the suspension, citing national security concerns amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Al Jazeera condemned Israel’s move, labeling it as “criminal.”
In its statement, Al Jazeera expressed defiance, asserting that Israel’s attempts to suppress the free press would not hinder its duty to inform the public.
Al Jazeera emphasized its commitment to professional journalistic standards and pledged to pursue legal and international avenues to protect the public’s right to information.
Al Jazeera has been critical of the Israeli military operation in Gaza and has provided continuous live coverage of the conflict.
