The Palestinian Authority (PA) has suspended the operations of Al Jazeera in parts of the occupied West Bank, accusing the prominent Qatari-owned channel of incitement and bias. The decision has sparked widespread criticism, with Al Jazeera denouncing the move as “an attempt to hide the truth about events in the occupied territories.”
The suspension follows Al Jazeera’s coverage of a major crackdown by PA security forces on armed groups in the Jenin refugee camp, where 11 people were killed. Al Jazeera, known for its extensive reporting on Palestinian affairs and the Gaza genocide, had already faced broadcasting bans in both Arabic and English in Israel.
On Wednesday, PA police entered Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, delivering an official closure order. This marks the second such incident in months, following an Israeli raid on the same office last year. The PA, led by Fatah, has accused the network of fostering division within Palestine and the broader Arab world, though Al Jazeera maintains its commitment to impartial journalism.
The PA’s actions coincide with its efforts to reassert authority in the West Bank amid dwindling public support and to counter groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Analysts suggest the PA may also be aiming to demonstrate its governance capabilities to international stakeholders.
The decision has drawn criticism from Palestinian journalists and the Foreign Press Association, which expressed “grave concern” over the suppression of press freedom. Al Jazeera continues to reject allegations of bias, defending its coverage as professional and reflective of unfolding realities in the region.
