Palestinian Authority Suspends Al Jazeera Operations

The Palestinian Authority has temporarily suspended operations of Al Jazeera in the West Bank, citing the network's dissemination of 'inciting material' and violations of Palestinian laws. The decision, made by a ministerial committee, affects all journalists and staff associated with Al Jazeera and follows criticism of its coverage of clashes between Palestinian security forces and militants in Jenin. Al Jazeera condemned the ban as an attempt to stifle independent reporting and called for its reversal. Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, have criticized the move as a violation of press freedom and an effort to suppress dissenting voices. The suspension will not apply in Hamas-controlled Gaza, where the Palestinian Authority lacks authority. Advocates for press freedom, including the Palestinian Journalists’ Protection Center, have urged the PA to lift the restrictions.