Feb 24 • 09:55 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Legal Expert: This is What Follows the Classification of Jerusalem Platforms as 'Terrorist'

A Palestinian legal expert warns of the consequences of Israel's decision to label media platforms covering Jerusalem as 'terrorist organizations.'

A Palestinian legal expert has raised concerns regarding the implications of Israel's recent decision to ban media platforms that cover news related to occupied Jerusalem. According to lawyer Mudhat Diba, the severity of this Israeli action lies in its classification of these news platforms as 'terrorist organizations,' which could lead to branding their employees as terrorists as well. The ban affects several significant platforms including 'Al-Bawssala,' 'Al-Quds,' and 'Midan,' which cover news from the holy city and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The decision, issued by Israeli Minister of Security Israel Katz, was based on recommendations from the Israeli Shabak (internal security service) and received the approval of the Israeli attorney general. The classification labels these media outlets, or groups, as closely linked to Hamas and thus subject to an anti-terrorism law. Diba criticized this linking as 'incorrect and inaccurate,' pointing out that similar accusations led to the prior banning of Al Jazeera, despite it having no ties to Hamas, indicating that the intent behind the move is more about suppressing the Palestinian narrative rather than any legitimate security concerns.

In summary, the legal expert's warning highlights the broader implications of the Israeli decision not only for the affected outlets but also for freedom of expression in the region. This move adds another layer to the ongoing tensions surrounding media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting how governmental actions can impact journalistic freedom and narratives in conflict zones.

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