The Palestinian Authority (PA) has suspended Al-Jazeera’s operations in the West Bank, accusing the Qatari broadcaster of incitement and interference in Palestinian internal matters. The PA’s move came after Al-Jazeera’s critical coverage of the PA’s crackdown on Palestinian fighters in the Jenin refugee camp.
Al-Jazeera expressed its shock at the PA’s decision, calling it part of a broader effort to conceal its actions against Palestinian fighters. The broadcaster condemned the closure as an attempt to silence its journalists and described it as in line with actions taken by the Israeli occupation against its staff.
The PA’s accusations against Al-Jazeera include misinformation and sedition, following the network’s coverage of the PA’s operations against the Jenin Brigades, a group involved in ongoing conflict with Israeli forces. The operation has sparked protests and clashes in Jenin, as well as criticism from Palestinian factions like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Al-Jazeera called on the PA to reverse its decision, emphasizing the need for press freedom and the protection of journalists from threats and intimidation. This move follows a similar action by Israel, which also banned Al-Jazeera from operating within its territory earlier this year.
