ARTICLE 19 is deeply concerned about the recent developments in the West Bank, in particular the increasing restrictions on media freedom and freedom of expression following operations in Jenin, and the death of Palestinian journalism student Shatha Al Sabbagh. Any restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms must comply with international human rights law, and we call on the Palestinian Authority (PA) to protect and guarantee these freedoms while ensuring the safety of journalists.
In January 2025, the Palestinian Authority temporarily suspended news outlet Al Jazeera’s operations in the West Bank. This decision was made by the tripartite committee responsible for licensing terrestrial and satellite media outlets, composed of the Ministries of Culture, Interior, and Communications. The suspension order stated that the committee was ‘temporarily freezing the work of all journalists, employees, crews, and affiliated channels until their legal status is rectified’. This action was reportedly based on claims that Al Jazeera was broadcasting ‘provocative content’ and disseminating reports characterised as ‘misinformation, incitement, sedition, disruption, and interference in Palestinian internal affairs’. Subsequently, the Magistrate Court of Ramallah ordered the blocking of all Al Jazeera Media Network websites for four months. The order, issued on 5 January 2025, followed a request by the Attorney General based on Article 39 of the Cybercrime Law No. (10) of 2018, which allows for the blocking of websites deemed to ‘threaten national security or public order’. The Attorney General sent an official letter to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to implement the court’s decision and urged communication with relevant companies to ensure compliance. Reports indicate that communication companies had already implemented the decision.
ARTICLE 19 condemns the Palestinian Authority’s decision to ban Al Jazeera’s broadcast operations and calls for its immediate reversal. Any restrictions on media freedoms must comply with international freedom of expression standards, including the principles of legality, legitimacy, necessity, and proportionality. Such restrictions should only be imposed by an independent body, such as an impartial media regulator, and in accordance with due process standards. The lack of an independent regulatory body in Palestine renders the current measures inconsistent with these principles.
ARTICLE 19 also expresses concern over the court’s decision to block Al Jazeera’s websites. We note that while protecting national security is a legitimate objective for restricting freedom of expression, under international human rights standards, any restrictions must be necessary and proportionate to the legitimate aim and be the least restrictive measure. The decision does not meet these standards. Blocking of entire websites is not only ineffective; unless narrowly targeted and compliant with the principles of legality, legitimacy and necessity, it is unlawful under international human rights law.
Further, this move is particularly concerning as it follows the Israeli government’s order to close Al Jazeera broadcasts in both Arabic and English within Israel, ban its website in Israel, and close its offices in the country, in violation of international standards.
ARTICLE 19 highlights that it is critical to ensure that news outlets, particularly international ones like Al Jazeera, can report freely on events in the West Bank and Gaza. Al Jazeera remains one of the few international media organisations covering developments in Palestine.
ARTICLE 19 is also deeply alarmed by the increasingly dangerous conditions for journalists in the West Bank. On 27 December 2024, Palestinian journalism student Shatha Al-Sabbagh was in killed in the Jenin refugee camp during an ongoing a security operation. Her family has accused the Palestinian Authority of being responsible for the shooting, a claim denied by Palestinian security forces. ARTICLE 19 calls for a full, transparent, and impartial investigation into her death.
These developments have unfolded amid reports of increasing restrictions on online freedom of expression and dissent following recent clashes in Jenin in the West Bank. Palestinian organisations have reported a rise in incidents of harassment and intimidation of numerous Palestinians in response to their online activities. Additionally, the governors of Hebron and Nablus issued administrative orders prohibiting public statements or actions that could incite discord, disturb the public, or undermine public security. Such orders based on vague and broad terminology are inconsistent with freedom of expression standards and represent an attempt to suppress criticism and dissent.
Finally, we reiterate that freedom of expression is especially vital during times of conflict, as it ensures accurate reporting for both local and international audiences. Dissent is essential for ensuring that all voices and opinions are conveyed and for advocacy efforts. ARTICLE 19 calls on the Palestinian Authority to reverse the ban on Al Jazeera’s broadcasting operations and websites, safeguard freedom of expression online and conduct thorough and independent investigations into any allegations of violence against journalists.