Al Jazeera confirmed that the Israeli accusations will not deter it from continuing coverage boldly and professionally (Al Jazeera)
Western countries, including the United States, expressed their concern about the law passed by the Israeli Knesset - yesterday, Monday - allowing the ban on foreign media outlets that harm security, led by Al Jazeera.
The German Foreign Ministry said that it notes with concern the new Israeli media law approved by the Knesset, and added that a free and diverse press scene is the cornerstone of liberal democracy.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Esper Barth said that banning a news outlet such as Al Jazeera is a direct attack on freedom of the press.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre also expressed her country's concern about the Knesset's approval to close Al Jazeera in Israel. Jean-Pierre said that Washington supports freedom of the press, including the work of journalists covering the war on Gaza.
US Congresswoman Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib said that Israel now wants to completely shut down Al Jazeera to prevent the world from seeing the war crimes they are committing.
Island law
Yesterday, the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) voted in favor of a law that allows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ban foreign media outlets that harm security in Israel, led by Al Jazeera.
This law - which was called the "Al Jazeera Law" and was approved by a majority of 70 votes to 10 - gives Netanyahu the ability to ban the broadcast of the targeted channel, up to and including closing its offices in Israel.
After the Knesset approved the law, Netanyahu said that Al Jazeera would no longer broadcast from Israel and that it was time to expel it.
Netanyahu explained that he intends to move immediately - in accordance with the new law - to stop Al Jazeera’s activity, accusing it of harming Israel’s security, and of actually participating in the October 7 attack “and inciting against our soldiers.”
Al Jazeera Network denounced Netanyahu's statements, describing them as a dangerous and ridiculous lie.
Al Jazeera Network said in a statement that Netanyahu found no justifications for his ongoing attacks on the channel and freedom of the press except lies and slander, and considered that his statements came as part of a series of systematic Israeli violations to silence Al Jazeera.
The network held Netanyahu responsible for the safety of its crews and facilities around the world, and stressed that slander and accusations would not deter it from continuing coverage boldly and professionally, and that it reserves all its legal rights.
Since October 7, Israel has been waging a devastating war on the Gaza Strip with American support, leaving tens of thousands of civilian victims, most of them children and women, a humanitarian catastrophe and massive destruction, which led to Tel Aviv being brought before the International Court of Justice on charges of “genocide.”
Source: Al Jazeera