In a move that has sparked international condemnation, the Israeli government has ordered the closure of local offices belonging to Qatar's Al Jazeera satellite news network.

The decision comes after months of threats from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which accuses the Qatari broadcaster of incitement.

The closure, implemented amidst ongoing Qatari mediation efforts to end the Gaza conflict, includes confiscating broadcast equipment, blocking the channel's reports on Israeli cable, and restricting its websites. Al Jazeera remains accessible online internationally.

Al Jazeera fiercely denounced the move, calling it a "criminal act" that violates press freedom and international law. The network maintains its commitment to ethical journalism and providing information to global audiences.

This action follows a unanimous vote by Netanyahu's cabinet to close Al Jazeera's operations, weeks after the Israeli parliament passed a law allowing temporary shutdowns of foreign broadcasters deemed threats to national security.

Netanyahu announced the closure on a social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Israeli police raided Al Jazeera's Jerusalem office following the announcement.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi confirmed the immediate enforcement of the closure order via another social media platform.

Al Jazeera has provided continuous coverage of the Gaza conflict since its outbreak in October 2023. The network maintains it has reported the war ethically and highlighted the plight of Palestinians, including casualties among its own staff. (ILKHA)