Palestinian Authority announces ban on Al Jazeera operations in West Bank

This comes amid the clashes between the Palestinian Authority security forces and terrorist factions in the West Bank city of Jenin. 

 The entrance to the Al Jazeera studios is seen through a cactus garden in Doha November 30, 2005. (photo credit: REUTERS)
The entrance to the Al Jazeera studios is seen through a cactus garden in Doha November 30, 2005.
(photo credit: REUTERS)

Fatah reportedly announced on Monday its decision to ban the Qatari state-owned media Al Jazeera from operating in the West Bank, according to Israeli media, citing Palestinian reports. 

Fatah accused the Qatari news outlet of incitement amid the clashes between the Palestinian Authority security forces and terrorist factions in the West Bank city of Jenin

Fatah condemned the Qatari-headquartered network saying it was sowing division in "our Arab homeland in general and in Palestine in particular." It encouraged Palestinians not to cooperate with the network.

Forces of the PA, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, moved into Jenin in early December, clashing daily with fighters from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both of which are supported by Iran.

The standoff has fueled bitter anger on both sides, deepening the divisions which have long existed between the Palestinian factions and their supporters.

Al Jazeera deny bias

 A member of the Palestinian security forces aims a weapon during clashes with gunmen in Jenin in the West Bank, December 14, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/RANEEN SAWAFTA)
A member of the Palestinian security forces aims a weapon during clashes with gunmen in Jenin in the West Bank, December 14, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/RANEEN SAWAFTA)

Al Jazeera said its broadcasts fairly presented the views of both sides.

"The voices of both the Palestinian resistance and the Spokesperson of the Palestinian National Security Forces have always been present on Al Jazeera’s screens," Al Jazeera said.

In May, Israel's government voted unanimously to shut down Al Jazeera's operations in Israel, with the offices being raided and equipment confiscated shortly after. 

The decision was approved by the Tel Aviv District Court in June, citing "convincing" evidence that the outlet had a “close connection to the terror organization Hamas over an extended period of time.”

In July, the court extended the ban for an additional 45 days. 


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Eliav Breuer contributed to this report. 

This is a developing story.