The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), alongside its affiliate the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS), has strongly denounced the Israeli government’s decision to shut down Al Jazeera and has called for the broadcaster to be allowed to resume operations. The Federation has also raised concerns about the confiscation of journalists’ personal work equipment and phones.
On May 5th, the Israeli government voted to close the Qatari-based channel in Israel. This action involved raiding its offices, removing its broadcasts from menus of Israeli broadcast providers, and blocking its websites. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the government had unanimously decided on the closure, labeling Al Jazeera as an “incitement channel”.
The relationship between the Israeli government and Al Jazeera has been tense for some time, with Israel accusing the broadcaster of bias against the country. However, tensions escalated further with the onset of the Gaza conflict. A new legislation, passed by the parliament on April 1st, granted officials the authority to shut down Al Jazeera after consultations and approval from legal and security officials, a move strongly condemned by the IFJ.
In response, Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the shutdown as a “criminal act” that violates human rights and the fundamental right to access information.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger criticized the move, stating, “Banning journalists and shutting down broadcasters are moves straight from the despots’ playbook. This is a further departure by the Israeli government from the respect for a free media expected of a democracy. We have already seen foreign reporters banned from Gaza, attacks on Israel’s domestic media, and truly shocking treatment of Palestinian journalists.”
Bellanger also questioned Israel’s motives for confiscating journalists’ phones and personal computers, emphasizing that such actions violate reporters’ rights to protect their sources.
Omar Nazzal, Vice-President of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), condemned the decision, calling it an attack on freedom of expression and journalists’ ability to do their work. He characterized it as indicative of the desperation of the occupation government.
Michelle Stanistreet, General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the United Kingdom and Ireland, representing Al Jazeera’s journalists in London, stated, “Those with secrets to hide or who are ashamed of their actions forcibly close down television stations. Targeting Al Jazeera as the Israeli government has is a direct attack on free speech that brings shame on those responsible – I hope they will soon realize their error and reverse this decision
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