Ramallah – On 22 September, the Israeli military raided Ramallah, closing down the Al Jazeera offices by military order. In the early hours, Israeli troops entered firing live ammunition and tear gas, forcing the staff out and confiscating equipment for 45 days. This move is part of Israel’s larger campaign to suppress media and reporting in Palestine, especially after recent attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu enacted a law in the Knesset allowing closure of media entities for posing threats. Following this, the closure of Al Jazeera in Jerusalem and Ramallah occurred. Palestinian journalists now face increased censorship and attacks as they strive to report truthfully in the face of Israeli aggression.
Israel’s suppression of media
Major international news agencies have long been complicit in censoring coverage of Palestine. In contrast, Palestinian journalists continue to expose the realities on the ground, risking their lives to report accurately. Local media workers have become crucial sources of information, leading to increased international awareness of Israeli war crimes.
Palestinian journalists defying censorship
Despite continuous threats and attacks, Palestinian journalists remain committed to their duty of sharing the truth with the world. As Israel intensifies its efforts to control the narrative around its actions, the courage and perseverance of Palestinian journalists pose a significant challenge to the Israeli propaganda machine.
Enduring risks and challenges
Palestinian journalists face not only physical danger in the field but also arbitrary arrests and detention by Israeli forces. The systematic targeting of journalists for reporting the truth highlights the extreme lengths Israel is willing to go to suppress Palestinian voices.
Mariam Barghouti is a seasoned journalist covering the West Bank. Follow her work on X: @MariamBarghouti