Israeli occupation forces stormed the offices of Al Jazeera in Ramallah late Saturday night, ordering the Qatar-based news network to close for 45 days in what is being described as a violation of press freedom.

Heavily armed and masked Israeli soldiers entered the office shortly after midnight, informing Al Jazeera staff that the bureau would be shut down for a minimum of 45 days. Live footage broadcast by the network showed the chaotic scene as soldiers forced employees to vacate the premises immediately.

The closure order was handed to the West Bank bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, though no specific reason for the decision was provided by the Israeli forces.

In response, the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate strongly condemned the closure, calling it an act of aggression against journalism and media outlets. The syndicate called on international organizations and press freedom advocates to denounce the military order and push for its reversal.

The syndicate expressed solidarity with Al Jazeera and its staff, pledging to offer resources and support to assist the journalists affected by the shutdown.

The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between Israeli authorities and media outlets reporting from the West Bank, further raising concerns about press freedom in the region. (ILKHA)