The Palestinian Authority (PA) has announced a ban on Al Jazeera’s operations in the West Bank, four months after Israel imposed similar restrictions on the network.
The decision comes amid ongoing tensions following Al Jazeera’s coverage of the security crackdown in the Jenin refugee camp, where clashes between Palestinian security forces and armed groups have resulted in multiple deaths.
Al Jazeera’s coverage, which included the killing of journalist Shatha al-Sabbagh, has drawn criticism from the PA, which accuses the network of misrepresenting events and potentially inciting tensions.
This latest move by the Palestinian Authority is seen by many as part of a broader trend of controlling media narratives within the region. Critics argue that this undermines press freedom, particularly at a time when independent reporting is vital for transparency and accountability.
The PA's actions mirror those of Israel, which issued a similar ban on Al Jazeera in September, citing national security concerns.