The Palestinian Authority (PA) has suspended broadcasts by the Qatar-based Al Jazeera network across its territories, accusing it of airing content that incites unrest, the official Wafa news agency reported on Wednesday.
A ministerial committee comprising the ministries of culture, interior, and communications announced the suspension, stating that Al Jazeera violated local laws by disseminating content they described as misinformation, sedition, and interference in Palestinian internal affairs.
The suspension also temporarily halts the operations of Al Jazeera’s employees and affiliated channels until the network rectifies its legal status. PA security forces delivered the suspension order to Al Jazeera’s Ramallah office, though the network has yet to officially respond.
The decision follows heightened tensions between the PA and Al Jazeera after the network’s coverage of violent clashes in Jenin between PA security forces and militants. The PA has accused Al Jazeera of bias, while the network insists it provided balanced reporting.
Militant group Hamas condemned the suspension, describing it as part of the PA’s arbitrary actions to stifle freedoms and urged an immediate reversal to ensure continued media coverage of the occupation and Palestinian resilience.
Al Jazeera has faced increasing pressure, including a ban from operating in Israel since October, further complicating its ability to report on the ongoing bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli forces.
