For the first time in eight years, Qatar-based Al-Jazeera television broadcast live from Egypt on Saturday.
Al Jazeera closed its offices after Egyptian security forces broke up demonstrations in Rabia and al-Nahda squares on August 14, 2013.
Al Jazeera’s staff are delighted about the resumption of live broadcasting again. However, there was no statement from the channel if the office will be reopened.
Egypt was part of an Arab quartet that severed diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar in June 2017. The four countries – including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain accused Qatar of sponsoring terrorism and being too close to Iran. It went on to impose a land, air and naval blockade. Qatar has denied the accusations throughout.
Relations between Egypt and Qatar started to improve with the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council Summit held in Saudi Arabia on January 5 –after the Gulf crisis in 2017. Positive steps were taken between the two countries such as mutually appointing ambassadors.