Israel extends Al Jazeera office closure and work ban for 60 more days

An Israeli court has upheld the government’s decision to prolong the closure of Al Jazeera’s Jerusalem office and extend its work ban for another 60 days, further restricting press freedom.

In September, Israeli forces raided Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah under a military order, shutting it down and seizing all equipment and documents. Journalists were also barred from using their vehicles, effectively crippling their ability to report.

Israel has been escalating its crackdown on the network.

In May, the government approved a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi to permanently shut down Al Jazeera’s offices inside Israel.

The move was authorised under the so-called “Al Jazeera Law” and will take effect as soon as Karhi signs the order.