The Palestinian Authority (PA) must immediately reverse its decision to block websites affiliated with Al Jazeera Media Network, lift the suspension of its operations in the West Bank, and end its blatant attack on press freedom, freedom of expression, and people’s right to access information. This alarming move follows a series of escalations on the press in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), including Israel’s shutdown of Al Jazeera, raiding its Ramallah office in September 2024, and the killing of at least 200 journalists in Gaza.
On January 5, 2025, the Magistrate Court of Ramallah ordered the blocking of Al Jazeera websites, including “Al Jazeera Net,” “Al Jazeera Live,” “Al Jazeera 360,” and “AJ+,” for publishing content that “threaten[s] national security and incite the commission of crimes.” This decision follows the PA’s suspension of Al Jazeera’s operations, including the work of its journalists and staffers, on January 1, 2025, under the pretext of violating Palestinian laws and regulations. The PA accused the media house of broadcasting “inciteful content,” “spreading misinformation,” and “interfering in internal Palestinian affairs.”
For years, the Palestinian Authority has been treading down the authoritarian path. Its shutdown of Al Jazeera and blocking its websites amid an unfolding genocide in Gaza and escalating violence across the West Bank adds insult to injury. The PA must immediately reverse its decision and lift all restrictions on media work and people’s access to information during such critical times.Marwa Fatafta, MENA Policy and Advocacy Director at Access Now
Earlier, on December 29, 2024, the governors of Nablus and Hebron also issued administrative orders prohibiting people from publishing any content on social media that “sows discord,” “threatens public order,” or criticize the PA and its security forces. The orders warn that anyone posting such content online will face legal consequences.
This escalating assault on freedom of expression and press freedom in the oPt is part of a wider campaign to stifle public reporting and criticism of its ongoing security operation in Jenin refugee camp. Recent coverage of clashes between Palestinian security forces and armed groups in the camp has drawn wide criticism of the Palestinian Authority and its actions, leading to these restrictive measures.
The Palestinian Authority’s decision to block Al Jazeera’s websites deprives Palestinian families of access to vital information and hinder the media’s critical role in documenting events on the ground. At a time when the world must witness and document the unfolding genocide in Gaza and Israel’s escalating violence in the West Bank, this move strikes a blow against accountability and truth.Kassem Mnejja, MENA Campaigner at Access Now
Access Now calls on the PA to immediately restore access to all Al Jazeera-affiliated websites and allow the network to resume operations in the West Bank, end the harassment and intimidation of journalists and individuals expressing dissent online, and align its practices with international human rights standards and Palestinian law to ensure the protection of press freedom and digital rights.