In the wake of Israel’s decision to ban Al Jazeera’s operations within its borders, the Qatar-based news network has declared its intent to pursue all possible legal avenues to challenge the prohibition.
In an exclusive interview with AFP, Salah Nagm, the news director of Al Jazeera English, affirmed the network’s determination, stating, “If there is a possibility of challenging that decision, we are going to pursue it until the end.”
The move to shut down Al Jazeera in Israel followed a vote by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, citing the network’s coverage of the Gaza conflict as the reason. Under the unanimous cabinet decision, Al Jazeera’s offices in Jerusalem were closed, equipment confiscated, and team accreditations revoked.
Nagm emphasized that the network will seek legal recourse for the confiscated equipment and losses incurred from halting broadcasts. However, the Israeli government indicated that the ban initially stands for 45 days with the potential for extension.
Shortly after the decision, screens displaying Al Jazeera’s Arabic and English channels in Israel displayed a message in Hebrew, announcing the suspension of broadcasts.
While the ban does not extend to the Israeli-occupied West Bank or Gaza Strip, where Al Jazeera continues to report on the conflict, the network condemned Israel’s action as “criminal” and a violation of the right to access information.
Nagm downplayed the ban’s impact on coverage, stating that Al Jazeera could rely on alternative sources for information. Despite the network’s website being blocked in Israel, Nagm highlighted the accessibility of Al Jazeera’s content through virtual private networks.
Israel’s move comes after its parliament passed a national security law granting senior ministers the authority to ban foreign channels over perceived security threats. Netanyahu accused Al Jazeera correspondents of jeopardizing Israel’s security and inciting against Israeli military personnel.
However, Nagm challenged the notion of Al Jazeera’s broadcasts as security threats, labeling the ban an “arbitrary decision.” He pointed out the network’s losses during the conflict, including the bombing of its office in Gaza and the deaths of two correspondents.
Since the conflict’s onset, Al Jazeera has experienced significant casualties among its staff, with several journalists killed in Israeli strikes. The toll underscores the dangers faced by journalists covering the conflict.
Nagm stressed the responsibility to inform the public about the severity of the conflict and its impact on civilians and journalists alike. Despite the challenges, Al Jazeera remains committed to providing comprehensive coverage while navigating the complexities of reporting in a conflict zone.
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