Israel bans pro-Hamas news channel Al-Jazeera

Office raided and cameras seized

Tel Aviv (Israel) – Israel-Hamas war continues since last 7 months. Qatar’s global news channel ‘Al-Jazeera’ has been banned by Israel for its anti-Israel and pro-Hamas reporting. Israel alleged that the news channel had become a mouthpiece of Hamas. Following the ban, Government agencies raided the news channel’s office in Jerusalem. Telecommunication Minister Shlomo Karhi said in this regard that cameras and other equipment of the news channel have been seized in the operation.

The news channel that provokes Hamas : PM Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on ‘X’, “My government decided unanimously, the incitement channel Al Jazeera will close in Israel.” On the other hand, according to the Times of Israel, Israel has accused Al-Jazeera of inciting war and tarnishing Israel’s image around the world. The Israeli cabinet has accused Al-Jazeera of being a mouthpiece of Hamas.

This ban is only till 31st July and to extend it, the approval of the Israeli parliament is required. According to the BBC, the ban could upset Qatar, which acts as a mediator between Israel and Hamas.

We have no connection with ‘Hamas’ : Clarifies ‘Al-Jazeera’

Al-Jazeera has confirmed reports that it has been banned from broadcasting in Israel. It said, ‘An order has been given by Israel to confiscate the mobile phones of our journalists. The allegations against us are baseless and we have no connection with Hamas. Israel’s embargo may also affect Qatar’s efforts to stop the war. Relations between the two countries may also deteriorate.’

Editorial Perspective

Similar to Israel, India is also expected to take such striking actions. India should ban ‘Washington Post’, ‘New York Times’, ‘BBC’, ‘Al-Jazeera’ and confiscate their assets in India, as they constantly report baseless anti-India and anti-Hindu news.