Israel shuts Al Jazeera office in West Bank for 45 days.
Israeli forces raided the bureau of the Al Jazeera network in Ramallah city of West Bank and issued a 45-day closure order on Sunday. Station staff said armed troops confiscated cameras and barred them from reporting during the ongoing raid.
“There is a court ruling for closing down Al Jazeera for 45 days. I ask you to take all the cameras and leave the office at this moment,” a soldier told the bureau chief.
Reports mention troops were seen tearing posters of slain journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, associated with the network. One staffer noted they were pointed at by weapons for any slight movement.
Tel Aviv has long criticized the Qatari broadcaster for allegedly biased coverage. However, Al Jazeera maintains a presence in Gaza reporting on attacks and crises.
Israel accuses it of collaborating with Hamas, citing some reporters turned “assistants” with the group. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s stance worsened since the May clashes.
An emergency law earlier allowed 45-day bans with a court nod for extensions. The recent order is the fifth such issued against the station in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa district.
Al Jazeera faces allegations of airing unedited militant statements but denies asymmetry in its Arabic and English arms work.
