Palestinian Authority suspends Al Jazeera's operations, citing failure to meet regulations

RAMALLAH: RAMALLAH, Jan 1 (Bernama-Agencies) - The Palestinian Ministerial Committee, comprising representatives from the Ministries of Culture, Interior, and Telecommunications, has announced the suspension of the broadcast operations of the Qatar-based Al Jazeera Media Network in Palestine.

The decision will remain in effect until the network resolves its legal status, which has been deemed in violation of applicable laws and regulations in Palestine.

The suspension is reportedly temporary and will remain in effect until the network resolves its legal status in accordance with Palestinian regulations.

The committee stated that the decision was made due to Al Jazeera's repeated violations of Palestinian laws and regulations.

Authorities accused the network of broadcasting inciteful content, spreading misinformation, and interfering in internal Palestinian affairs, which they claimed had stirred division and instability.

In a statement, Al Jazeera emphasised that its coverage of the events in Jenin was balanced, providing platforms for both resistance voices and Palestinian security forces, Anadolu Agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority's move was condemned by the Palestinian group Hamas.

"This decision aligns with a series of recent arbitrary actions taken by the Authority to curtail public rights and freedoms and reinforce its security grip on the Palestinian people," Hamas said in a statement.

The statement also urged the Palestinian Authority to reverse its decision and called on all human rights and media organisations to "stand firmly against these repressive practices."

-- BERNAMA