News|Al JazeeraAl Jazeera denounces YouTube’s compliance with Israel’s ban on networkLivestreams of Al Jazeera Arabic, Al Jazeera English and Al Jazeera Mubasher blocked in Israel.
Al Jazeera has expressed disapproval of YouTube's adherence to an Israeli law that prohibits the network's livestreams within the country. This action follows an order by the Israeli Communications Minister, Shlomo Karahi, to extend an existing ban on Al…
Al Jazeera has expressed disapproval of YouTube's adherence to an Israeli law that prohibits the network's livestreams within the country. This action follows an order by the Israeli Communications Minister, Shlomo Karahi, to extend an existing ban on Al Jazeera's operations in Israel for an additional 90 days. The extension restricts broadcasting and internet companies from distributing the network's content.
As of Thursday, livestreams from Al Jazeera Arabic, Al Jazeera English, and Al Jazeera Mubasher have been blocked in Israel. In response, Al Jazeera criticized YouTube for not adhering to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which advocate for global technology companies to protect freedom of expression and resist governmental pressures that may suppress independent journalism.
Al Jazeera has highlighted that this development is part of a broader pattern of actions by Israel, including the killing and detention of journalists and the closure of its offices in occupied territories. These measures aim to suppress journalistic activities and restrict the dissemination of information.
Al Jazeera has expressed disapproval of YouTube's adherence to an Israeli law that prohibits the network's livestreams within the country.
In May 2024, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, voted to close Al Jazeera's operations in the country. This decision came shortly after the Israeli parliament passed legislation authorizing the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed a threat to national security. In September 2024, Israeli forces closed Al Jazeera's offices in Ramallah, confiscating equipment and documents. The law was extended for two additional years in December 2025.
Al Jazeera has urged YouTube and other digital platforms to lift the ban on its channels. The network has also called on media freedom and human rights organizations to join in condemning the actions taken by Israel against media entities.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
