Connect with us

International

Israeli military raid shuts down Al Jazeera bureau in Ramallah, occupied West Bank

On 22 September 2024, Israeli soldiers raided Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, ordering its closure for 45 days. The raid occurred in Area A, a zone under Palestinian control as per the Oslo Accords, but where Israel continues to exert military influence. The closure order cites accusations of incitement and support for terrorism.

Published

1 week ago

on

In a pre-dawn raid on 22 September 2024, heavily armed Israeli soldiers entered the Al Jazeera bureau in Ramallah, ordering its immediate closure for 45 days.

The soldiers handed a shutdown notice to bureau chief Walid al-Omari, citing accusations of “incitement” and “support for terrorism.” The bureau, located in Area A of the occupied West Bank—supposedly under the control of the Palestinian Authority (PA) under the Oslo Accords—was nonetheless subject to Israeli military authority.

This raid marks the latest in a series of actions by Israeli forces against the Qatari-based Al Jazeera network, a major international media outlet with significant global reach, known for its extensive reporting on Middle Eastern affairs.

The outlet has frequently drawn the ire of Israeli officials for its reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with its journalists often facing violence or harassment. In a notable case in 2022, prominent Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by Israeli forces while covering a raid in the West Bank city of Jenin.

In the Ramallah raid, soldiers were observed tearing down a large banner of Abu Akleh inside the bureau, which had been placed in her memory.

Despite Ramallah being under the PA’s jurisdiction, Israel has routinely conducted military operations in this Oslo-defined Area A. A 2023 report by the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process highlighted several Israeli operations in Area A between June and September of that year, which resulted in significant Palestinian casualties.

Such operations underscore the ongoing Israeli military presence and impunity across the West Bank, regardless of the legal distinction between Areas A, B, and C.

During the raid, Israeli soldiers ordered the staff, who were working the overnight shift, to evacuate immediately.

While initially permitted to take their personal belongings, staff were eventually required to leave behind key equipment, including cameras. Al Jazeera’s Jivara Budeiri, who was present during the raid, noted that engineers accompanied the soldiers, raising fears that the raid might have been intended to damage or confiscate the bureau’s archives. The team spent several hours standing outside the building, unable to retrieve their vehicles or continue reporting.

Armed Israeli soldiers patrolled the area in military vehicles while gunfire and tear gas were heard nearby.

The closure order, which is in effect for 45 days, raises concerns that the shutdown could be prolonged. Al Jazeera’s bureau chief, al-Omari, speculated that the closure may be automatically renewed, much like the closure of the network’s bureau in Israel earlier in 2024.

That bureau was shut down under what became known as the “Al Jazeera Law,” passed by the Israeli Knesset, which allows the government to temporarily close foreign media outlets deemed to pose a security threat.

The Ramallah shutdown, however, comes from the Israeli military authority, which technically has no legal power over Area A under international agreements.

According to al-Omari, any attempt to appeal the closure will likely need to go through Israel’s opaque military courts system, which often operates on the basis of “secret evidence” and allows for indefinite detentions without formal charges. Given this, there is skepticism that the bureau will be able to resume operations after the 45-day period.

This raid also coincides with escalating regional tensions, particularly involving Hezbollah in Lebanon. Recent explosions in southern Lebanon, suspected to be part of an Israeli sabotage campaign, have resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people, including two children.

The possibility of an expanded conflict looms, as Israel remains on high alert amid concerns of Hezbollah’s involvement in the broader Israel-Palestine conflict.

The closure of Al Jazeera’s Ramallah bureau further heightens concerns over press freedom in the region. Al Jazeera has long been a critical source of information on Israel’s military operations and human rights abuses in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Rami Khouri, a distinguished fellow at the American University in Beirut, remarked to Al Jazeera that this raid is part of Israel’s broader effort since 1948 to prevent the dissemination of information about its policies toward Palestinians, including colonization, arrests, and torture.

Khouri emphasized that Al Jazeera plays a vital role in bringing global attention to these issues, making it a frequent target of Israeli authorities.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
19 Comments
Subscribe
Notify of
19 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

International

Iran fires 180 missiles at Israel in response to escalating tensions

Iran fired 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday (1 Oct), claiming it was retaliation for Israeli airstrikes and assassinations of key figures in Gaza, Lebanon, and Tehran. Most missiles were intercepted, but Israel vowed retaliation. The United States condemned the attack as a “significant escalation,” heightening concerns of a broader conflict.

Published

1 day ago

on

2 October 2024

By

Iran launched a large-scale missile attack against Israel on Tuesday (1 Oct), escalating tensions in the already volatile region.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), around 180 projectiles were fired at Israel, prompting a coordinated missile defence effort with the United States.

Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, confirmed that the nation’s air defences successfully intercepted the majority of the Iranian missiles.

However, some projectiles reached central and southern Israel, causing minor injuries to two civilians.

In the West Bank, Palestinian officials reported the death of a Palestinian man near Jericho after being struck by a missile, though it remains unclear which side was responsible for that particular strike.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the strike, stating that it targeted “vital military and security installations.”

Iran claimed that Tuesday’s missile strikes were in retaliation for the recent deaths of key figures from Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Iranian military.

It specifically referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard General Abbas Nilforushan, both of whom were killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut.

The operation also cited the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was reportedly killed in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

In response to the missile strikes, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran had made a “big mistake” and would face severe consequences for the attack.

“Iran made a big mistake tonight—and it will pay for it,” Netanyahu said.

“The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and retaliate against our enemies.”

His remarks strongly signaled that Israeli retaliation was imminent, increasing concerns about a potential spiral into a broader regional war.

Iran defended its actions, with President Masoud Pezeshkian posting on social media that the missile strikes were a defensive response to Israeli provocations.

“Let Netanyahu know that Iran is not a belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat. This is only a corner of our power,” Pezeshkian stated, warning Israel not to enter into further conflict with Iran.

On the international front, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan characterized Iran’s attack as a significant escalation, but noted that it had been effectively neutralized by Israel’s missile defense systems.

“At this point this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective,” Sullivan remarked, though he acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

US President Joe Biden reiterated the United States’ support for Israel, but stressed that his administration was in close consultation with Israeli officials to determine an appropriate response.

“We’re going to get all the data straight,” Biden said.

“We’re in constant contact with the Israeli government and our counterparts, and that remains to be seen.”

Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a statement on Wednesday (2 Oct) defending its missile operation as a “legal, rational, and legitimate response” to Israel’s actions.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the mission warned that any retaliatory actions by Israel would trigger a more severe Iranian response.

“Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue,” the mission stated.

The message also advised other regional actors and supporters of Israel to distance themselves from the Israeli government.

Military bases in Tel Aviv, targeted in the strike, have sustained structural damage, according to the IRGC. However, these claims have not been independently verified.

Videos on X (formerly Twitter) show missiles intercepted and hitting ground targets, contrary to Israel’s claim of no damage done.

International reactions have also begun to emerge. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the continued escalation, calling for an immediate ceasefire. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres stated, “This broadening of the Middle East conflict must stop.”

Continue Reading

International

World leaders urge Israel to halt Lebanon offensive amid escalating conflict

On 1 October 2024, Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon, killing at least 95 people and injuring 172. The attacks, aimed at Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, have sparked international concern. World leaders, including US President Joe Biden, are calling for a ceasefire, warning that further escalation could lead to a regional catastrophe.

Published

2 days ago

on

1 October 2024

By

Israel launched a series of airstrikes and artillery bombardments on southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least 95 people and injuries to 172 others.

The attacks, which began early on Tuesday (1 Oct), are part of Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group that operates in Lebanon.

The strikes were aimed at Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in the region and marked a significant escalation in the hostilities between Israel and the group.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military operation is “limited, localized, and targeted.”

The goal of the operation, according to IDF statements, is to protect Israeli citizens, particularly those residing in northern Israel, and to facilitate the return of displaced residents to their homes.

This development comes amid a growing concern in the international community over the potential for a broader regional conflict, with multiple world leaders calling for a ceasefire and urging Israel to refrain from launching a ground invasion into Lebanon.

US President Joe Biden called on Israel to avoid a ground campaign in southern Lebanon during a press event at the White House on Monday (30 Sept).

Biden, while stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire, did not elaborate on any specific US actions or plans to halt the conflict.

In response to a reporter’s question, Biden expressed his awareness of the situation, stating, “I am more aware than you might know, and I am comfortable with them stopping.”

Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadja Lahbib, also expressed deep concern over the violence, particularly the loss of civilian lives.

Lahbib emphasized the importance of respecting international law, suggesting that the current crises in both Gaza and Lebanon are intertwined.

She warned that a failure to address these issues could lead to a dangerous regional escalation.

The UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, David Lammy, added his voice to the growing international calls for a ceasefire.

Following discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Lammy reiterated the need for a political solution to the crisis.

He stressed the importance of implementing a plan that would allow displaced Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return to their homes.

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell underscored the need to avoid further military intervention in Lebanon, cautioning that any such actions could dramatically worsen the situation.

“Any further military intervention would dramatically aggravate the situation, and it has to be avoided.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent any regional escalation.

Modi highlighted the importance of ensuring the safe release of hostages and expressed India’s commitment to supporting efforts to restore peace and stability.

UN experts warn of regional catastrophe amid escalating Israel-Lebanon conflict

UN experts warned on Monday (30 Sept) that the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon could lead to a regional humanitarian and geopolitical catastrophe.

The experts expressed deep concern over the intensifying violence, with Hezbollah launching missiles indiscriminately and Israel responding with large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon.

This surge in violence is exacerbating instability and civilian suffering, particularly in Lebanon and Palestine.

The experts condemned Israel’s use of destructive force in Lebanon, similar to its actions in Gaza.

They criticised Israel for justifying attacks on civilians by claiming Hezbollah fighters hide among them, using civilians as human shields.

The experts argued that the airstrikes in densely populated areas, where residential buildings are being destroyed with little warning, violate international humanitarian law and could amount to domicide, or the mass destruction of homes.

They also highlighted the ongoing violence against Palestinians, calling it a genocidal campaign.

Referring to a recent explosion of booby-trapped electronic devices in Lebanon that caused widespread casualties, the experts condemned those who praised such tactics, calling them criminal.

The experts further warned that double standards in condemning terror while granting impunity threaten the global democratic order.

They stressed the need to address fundamental issues fueling the violence, including the illegal occupation of Palestine, arms supplies to non-state actors, and extrajudicial killings.

The experts called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the UN Security Council to take swift action.

They emphasised the need to protect civilians, investigate crimes, and strengthen the UN’s presence in the region to prevent further escalation.

Continue Reading

Trending