The United Nations has emphasised the importance of press freedom following Israel’s decision to close broadcaster Al Jazeera’s operations in the country.
“We stand firmly against any decision to roll back freedom of the press,” said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric in New York.
“A free press provides an invaluable service to ensure that the public is informed and engaged.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his Cabinet had unanimously voted to close broadcaster Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel.
The move came after Israeli lawmakers approved a new media law widely referred to as the “Al Jazeera law” that gives the government powers to ban foreign broadcasters if they are deemed a risk to state security.
Al Jazeera decried the Israeli decision and vowed to pursue “all avenues” available to protect its rights and employees.
Similarly, two leading international organisations that campaign for freedom of the press and freedom of expression earlier condemned the closure of the Arab television station Al Jazeera in Israel.
“Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns the closure of Al Jazeera’s office in Israel and the blocking of the channel’s websites,” CPJ Programme Director Carlos Martinez de la Serna said in New York on Sunday.
“This move sets an extremely alarming precedent for restricting international media outlets working in Israel,” he added.
“The Israeli cabinet must allow Al-Jazeera and all international media outlets to operate freely in Israel, especially during wartime.”
The French-based organisation Reporters Without Borders stated via the platform X, formerly Twitter: “RSF strongly condemns freedom-threatening legislation that censors a TV network for its coverage of the war in Gaza.”
dpa/NAN
