Independent human rights experts have called on the Palestinian Authority (PA) to lift its recent ban on Al Jazeera, citing significant concerns over freedom of expression and press rights. The ban, which was enforced on January 1, 2025, following a Ramallah court order on January 5, led to the suspension of the broadcaster’s operations across the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). Several of Al Jazeera’s websites, including aljazeera.net and ajplus.net, were also shut down by court orders, with the PA accusing the network of inciting unrest and interfering in Palestinian internal affairs.
The decision comes amid escalating violence in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, where Palestinian security forces have faced criticism for their crackdown, which resulted in several deaths, including that of a young journalist. Al Jazeera’s coverage of these incidents, which some have seen as critical of the PA’s actions, is believed to have contributed to the decision to impose the ban.
Human rights organizations, including prominent experts in the field, have condemned the ban as an infringement on press freedom, arguing that it is a disproportionate response to the network’s reporting. In a joint statement, the experts noted that restricting access to independent media undermines the public’s right to information and obstructs international scrutiny of human rights abuses.
This move has drawn comparisons to Israel’s previous actions, including the closure of Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, and is seen by many as an attempt to silence critical media at a time when transparency and accountability are especially important in conflict zones. Experts argue that such actions only contribute to a climate of impunity, where violations may go unreported and unchecked.
The human rights community stresses that independent media is crucial for ensuring transparency, particularly in conflict regions, and that the suppression of free speech ultimately harms the pursuit of justice. They also urged Palestinian authorities to reconsider the ban in favor of open dialogue and engagement with the media, as failing to do so may further fuel the cycle of violence and distrust in the region.
As the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank continues, restrictions on press freedom have become a growing concern. In Gaza, Israeli authorities have similarly imposed strict limits on international media coverage since the outbreak of war in October 2023, further complicating efforts to report on the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The call to restore Al Jazeera’s operations reflects broader concerns about media censorship and the vital role of independent reporting in conflict zones.
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