The Israeli government unanimously voted on Sunday to close down the operations of Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based news network, within the country.
The London Eurovision Song Contest Screening Party has been canceled due to Israel’s participation. The organizer of the event stated that the cancellation was not a result of any political considerations, but rather a decision based on the nature of the contest itself. The organizer emphasized that the Eurovision Song Contest is not a contest between governments, but rather a celebration of music and culture. As a result, the event was canceled in order to maintain the focus on the songs and performances, rather than any political statements.
In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel expressed his concern over the actions of Al Jazeera reporters, accusing them of undermining Israel’s security and inciting violence against IDF soldiers. He emphasized the need to remove Hamas’s mouthpiece from the country.
Al Jazeera has been providing extensive coverage of the Israel-Hamas war ever since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on southern Israel. Throughout their reporting, they have consistently expressed criticism towards Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Al Jazeera has denounced the Israeli Cabinet’s decision as a “criminal act” that infringes upon human rights and the fundamental right to access information.
According to Al Jazeera, Israel’s continuous efforts to suppress the free press in order to hide its actions in the Gaza Strip are in violation of international and humanitarian law. Despite the targeted killings, arrests, intimidation, and threats, Al Jazeera remains committed to providing coverage.
Palestinian and Israeli Activists Discuss Impact of ‘No Other Land’ Documentary on the Eradication of Palestinian Villages and Its Potential to Facilitate a Political Solution
Al Jazeera has strongly denied the allegations made by Israeli authorities, stating that professional media standards have not been violated. The network has made it clear that it will take all necessary legal actions to protect its rights, as well as the rights of its journalists and the public’s right to information.
The Foreign Press Association, an NGO that represents international media in Israel and the Palestinian territories, expressed its concern, stating that Israel has now joined “a questionable group of authoritarian governments.”
The FPA expressed their grave concern, stating that this event marks a somber moment for both the media and democracy as a whole.
The WGA West issues an apology for the “tremendous pain” caused by its silence regarding the recent attack on Israel.
