Israeli forces have temporarily closed Al Jazeera's office in Ramallah, located in the West Bank, following a raid. The closure, which lasts 45 days, was enforced without providing specific reasons.
Heavily armed and masked soldiers stormed the office, confiscating property and demanding the immediate evacuation of the premises. This action reflects the ongoing tension between Israel and Al Jazeera, which has been critical of Israeli policies.
Israel's government recently revoked the press credentials of Al Jazeera journalists, accusing the network of being a mouthpiece for Hamas. This accusation follows a history of strained relations, including an existing broadcasting ban on Al Jazeera within Israel.
The network has been a prominent voice reporting on the conflict in Gaza, often highlighting Israeli military actions. The situation in the West Bank has become increasingly volatile since the conflict's escalation, with significant casualties on both sides.
The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate and the Gaza government's media office have condemned the raid, calling it a violation of press freedom. This closure adds to the already fraught atmosphere in the region, where media outlets face substantial pressure amidst the ongoing conflict.
