Israel Announces Closure of ‘Pro-Hamas’ Network Al Jazeera Operated by Qatar

Qatar’s state-owned media outlet, Al Jazeera, is under intense scrutiny for its alleged support of the Hamas terrorist movement in the ongoing conflict with Israel.

The Israeli government has taken a firm stance, declaring the outlawing of Al Jazeera’s operations within Israel due to its transmission of “sensitive information to our enemies.” This decision is part of a comprehensive effort aimed at channels found to be assisting Hamas.

Lior Haiat, the spokesman for Israel’s Foreign Ministry, revealed that the government, in collaboration with the Communications Ministry and the Defence Ministry, is actively working to shut down channels that are deemed to be crossing the line in supporting Hamas.

Al Jazeera, in particular, has been accused of incitement and broadcasting propaganda for Hamas. The decision to close the network comes after compelling evidence surfaced, indicating its involvement in facilitating sensitive movements of Israeli forces along the Gaza Strip border, a move considered detrimental to Israeli security interests.

Concerns also loom over two other news outlets allegedly sympathetic to Hamas: the Qatari-owned Al-Araby and the pro-Hezbollah outlet Al Mayadeen, operating in Israel and Judea and Samaria.

The fate of these outlets remains uncertain as Israel weighs its options in response to their reported support for Hamas.

Yigal Carmon, a former counter-terrorism advisor to Israeli Prime Ministers, has been a vocal advocate for discontinuing the news operations of Al Jazeera, Al-Araby, and Al Mayadeen. He accuses these outlets of serving as platforms for disseminating Hamas’s military and propaganda messages throughout the conflict.

As the Israeli government takes a resolute stance against media organizations allegedly aiding terrorist activities, the international community closely watches developments in this ongoing media crackdown.

In addition to Al Jazeera, there are concerns about two other allegedly pro-Hamas news outlets: the Qatari-owned Al-Araby and the pro-Hezbollah outlet Al Mayadeen operating in Israel and Judea and Samaria. It remains unclear if these outlets will face closure.