NEW YORK: The United Nations has called on the Palestinian Authority to rescind its decision to halt operations of the Al Jazeera news network within the occupied West Bank. This move has sparked significant concern over potential infringements on press freedom in the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed profound concern over the Palestinian Authority’s suspension of Al Jazeera’s activities and the continued work of its correspondents in the area. The UN body described the situation as “a troubling trend of suppressing freedom of opinion and expression.” The High Commissioner further urged the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its decision and adhere to its commitments under international law regarding freedom of the press.
Al Jazeera has criticized the Palestinian Authority’s closure of its office in the occupied West Bank. The network likened the action to those of the Israeli government, which had previously shut down Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah. The news channel has been vocal about the challenges it faces in the region, attributing them to broader efforts to limit journalistic freedom and access to information amidst ongoing tensions.