JournalismPakistan.com | Published 8 years ago
Join our WhatsApp channel
BRUSSELS - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has strongly condemned yesterday’s announcement by the Israeli government to close Al Jazeera’s offices in Jerusalem, revoke its journalists’ credentials and shut down the network’s cable and satellite transmissions.
The announcement follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement in late July where he accused the Qatar-based broadcaster of incitement over the Temple Mount, a sensitive Jerusalem holy site, and being unprofessional in the coverage of the Al-Aqsa Mosque clash between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli security forces.
During a press conference yesterday in Jerusalem in which Al Jazeera was barred from attending, Israeli Communications Minister Ayoob Kara told the media that he would cut Al Jazeera’s cable and satellite connections and demand that the media house’s journalists be stripped of their credentials. He added without further explanation that Israeli authorities will also seek to limit its Arab citizens’ access to Al Jazeera’s Arabic-language broadcasts.
“We have based our decision on the move by Sunni Arab states to close the Al Jazeera offices and prohibiting their work,” Kara told media, adding that the channel is being used by groups to “incite” violence – an accusation denied by the network. Israel’s parliament will now consider the request in its next session.
The network has denounced the decision in a statement, saying that “during the press conference, the minister could not substantiate his comments by referring to a single news bulletin or situation that proved Al Jazeera had not been professional or objective during its coverage in Jerusalem.”
Israel has joined the coalition of the countries that have recently banned Al Jazeera – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. They all broke ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of fostering extremism and later issuing 13 demands, including Al Jazeera’s closure.
The IFJ strongly condemned the move, and asked the coalition to stop using journalists as “political footballs” which has had a devastating impact on hundreds of media staff and their families.
The IFJ once again strongly opposed the witch-hunt against the media broadcaster in the region.
"The decision by Israeli authorities to close down Al Jazeera's office in Jerusalem and to withdraw their journalists' credentials under a general accusation of supporting violence is an attack against press freedom and pluralism of information,” said IFJ President, Philippe Leruth.
“If some information broadcasted by Al Jazeera was wrong, Israeli authorities had the possibility to exercise their right to reply. Choosing not to do this, and instead joining an international campaign against Al Jazeera, they give the impression they want to silence a voice that doesn't please them which is contrary to the democratic values they represent," he added.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), an IFJ affiliate, also condemned the announcement. “We stand in solidarity with Al Jazeera, its journalists and crews working in Palestine. The move of the Occupation Authorities to close down Al Jazeera is a grave violation of freedom of expression and the rights of journalists to work.” The union also called on Arab states not to involve media and journalists in their political disputes.
Other media organizations have also condemned the announcement. – IFJ media release
November 08, 2025: JournalismPakistan.com launches its new tagline, Linking Journalism Worldwide, reflecting global expansion beyond Pakistan with Asia, World, and Middle East coverage.
November 08, 2025: Veteran journalist Javed Iqbal Jaidi passes away in Shorkot after a long illness. Friends remember his humor, humility, and lifelong dedication to journalism.
November 07, 2025: JournalismPakistan.com launches a Middle East section to expand regional reporting. New coverage will follow JPâs editorial SOPsâverification, balanced sourcing, and two-stage reviewâplaced between Asia and World on the Home Page.
November 07, 2025: Russia accuses Pakistanâs Frontier Post of anti-Russia bias; the paper defends press freedom and independence. A diplomatic clash over media narratives.
November 07, 2025: Veteran journalist Javed Chaudhry bids farewell to Express News after 18 years on Kal Tak, marking the end of an era in Pakistani television journalism.
November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tararâs job offer to Nukta staff draws criticism as hundreds of journalists across Pakistan face layoffs, salary delays, and job insecurity.
November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announces jobs for 37 laid-off Nukta employees, saying they will be placed at digital platforms within 48 hours amid growing media uncertainty.
November 05, 2025: PTIâs Faisal Chaudhryâs witty reply to Gharidah Farooqi on GTVâs âG for Gharidahâ goes viral as a clip from their debate over the 27th Amendment sparks reactions online.
November 08, 2025 The Court of Appeals in the Philippines voided the civil forfeiture case against journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and layworker Marielle Domequil, ruling that no proof linked them to the CPP-NPA.
November 07, 2025 UN and rights groups warn of escalating media repression in Myanmar, citing arrests, censorship, and digital surveillance that threaten to erase independent journalism.
November 07, 2025 Iran has intensified online censorship, blocking independent news sites and social channels, sparking protests from journalist groups over the growing suppression of press freedom.
November 07, 2025 Six Turkish journalists have been summoned over coverage of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, raising fresh concerns about press freedom and political repression in Turkey.
November 07, 2025 Over 285 journalists have been killed in Gaza since 2023, exposing a severe impunity crisis and raising calls for global action to protect press freedom.