Israeli Authorities Raid Al Jazeera Offices in Jerusalem Following Government Decision to Close Network

Israeli police conducted a raid on the offices of the Qatari-based Al Jazeera network located in the Ambassador Hotel in Jerusalem on Sunday. This operation followed the Israeli government's decision earlier in the day to shut down the network's operations within the country.

Al Jazeera swiftly condemned the closure, denouncing it as a "criminal" move that violates human rights and stifles freedom of the press. The network asserted its right to continue providing its services globally, citing international conventions.

"We condemn the Israeli criminal act that violates human rights and emphasize our right to continue providing our services to the public around the world, something that is anchored in international conventions," Al Jazeera's response reads.

The network vowed to take all necessary measures in front of international and legal organizations to protect its rights and its teams. A reporter for the network commented on the raid, describing it as indicative of desperation on the part of Israeli authorities and the culmination of efforts to suppress criticism of events unfolding on the ground.

In response to the raid, Israeli police clarified that the activity was led by representatives of the Ministry of Communications in accordance with the order of the Minister of Communications and a government decision. The police stated that they were providing security and escorting during the operation.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karai affirmed the closure of Al Jazeera, stating that inspectors from the Communications Ministry, backed by the Israel Police, were confiscating the channel's equipment during the raid.

Israeli government unanimously approved the decision to close Al Jazeera's channel in Israel. This move came after years of deliberation, with the decision reportedly supported by the security establishment, including the head of the Mossad. However, ministers from the state camp were notably absent from the vote, citing the need to postpone the decision for a few days at the request of security officials to avoid disrupting negotiation efforts.