UN condemns israeli ban on Al Jazeera as threat to press freedom

The move, announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on May 5, has triggered widespread international condemnation and calls for the ban to be reversed.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, expressed deep concern over the decision, stressing the vital role of a free and independent media in upholding transparency and accountability. "We regret the Israeli Cabinet of Ministers' decision to close Al Jazeera's operations in the country," stated Dujarric. "Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, and any attempt to restrict it undermines the democratic principles we seek to uphold."

The closure of Al Jazeera's office in Jerusalem was swiftly followed by raids, during which journalists' equipment and mobile phones were confiscated by Israeli authorities. The crackdown, reported by The Times of Israel, has elicited further condemnation from advocates of press freedom.

Al Jazeera, headquartered in Qatar, condemned the ban as a "criminal act" and a violation of basic human rights. In a statement, the media network highlighted the irony of the ban coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, emphasizing the importance of unrestricted access to information in a democratic society.

As Al Jazeera's legal team prepares to challenge the ban, pressure mounts on the Israeli government to reconsider its decision. The UN's condemnation adds weight to the chorus of voices urging the restoration of Al Jazeera's broadcasting rights in Israel.

The ban on Al Jazeera represents a significant escalation in tensions between the media outlet and the Israeli government, particularly regarding coverage of events in Gaza.

The right to freedom of expression is enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." (ILKHA)