The Palestinian Authority (PA) has suspended all operations of Qatar-based Al Jazeera in the West Bank, citing accusations of broadcasting "provocative content" and "violating domestic laws and regulations."

The move has drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinian resistance groups, journalists, and media watchdogs.

According to a statement by a PA ministerial committee comprising the communications, culture, and interior ministries, the decision was taken in response to Al Jazeera's alleged broadcast of “misleading” reports and “inciteful materials” that interfered in Palestinian internal affairs.

This action affects all activities of Al Jazeera’s office in the West Bank, including program broadcasts and journalistic activities.

Last week, the Qatari state broadcaster faced criticism from the PA over its coverage of security forces' attacks on Palestinian fighters in the Jenin refugee camp within the occupied West Bank. The Zionist regime had previously banned Al Jazeera's operations in the occupied territories after twice raiding its offices in al-Quds and Ramallah in 2024.

Palestinian resistance groups and officials, including Hamas, have condemned the PA's move. In a statement, Hamas described the decision as a violation of freedom of expression and an effort to silence dissenting voices and undermine public rights and freedoms in Palestine. They emphasized the need for independent and accurate news coverage of the Zionist regime's actions.

The Palestinian Journalists’ Protection Center (PJPC) also denounced the suspension, calling it an attempt to stifle media coverage in the Palestinian territories. PJPC urged the PA to reverse its decision and lift restrictions on press freedom.

Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative Movement, Mustafa Al-Barghouthi, called the PA’s action "surprising" and counterproductive. He praised Al Jazeera for its extensive coverage of the Palestinian struggle and resistance.

The Islamic Jihad movement criticized the decision, stating it was inappropriate and detrimental to the Palestinian cause. They called on the PA to reconsider the move and support media groups that amplify the voices of the Palestinian people.

Al Jazeera responded by claiming that the PA's decision aligns with the policies of the Zionist occupation regime, aiming to prevent coverage of significant developments in the occupied territories. The network expressed surprise over the decision, especially amid the ongoing war in Gaza and attacks on Palestinian journalists, asserting that the move aims to obscure the reality of events in regions like Jenin. (ILKHA)