Al Jazeera, a prominent Arab media outlet, announced on Sunday its intention to take all necessary legal measures to maintain its operations in Israel. This statement came shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet voted to shut down the Qatari-funded network until the conclusion of the conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu, a vocal critic of Al Jazeera whom he accuses of displaying bias towards Hamas, stated that the cabinet's decision was based on the belief that the network posed a threat to Israel's national security. He alleged that Al Jazeera's correspondents had compromised Israel's security and incited violence against its soldiers, asserting that it was time to expel what he referred to as Hamas's propaganda tool from the country.
In response, Al Jazeera dismissed these accusations as baseless and dangerous, emphasizing that such claims endangered its journalists. The network, funded by the Qatari government, has been a key mediator in cease-fire negotiations. However, like many international media organizations, Al Jazeera has been critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Al Jazeera reporter Hani Mahmoud criticized Netanyahu and the Israeli military, accusing them of wanting their actions to go unreported and unchallenged. Hamas also condemned Israel's decision as a violation of press freedom and a retaliatory measure against Al Jazeera's efforts to expose what it perceives as Israeli crimes.
Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian demonstrations continued across the United States, resulting in numerous arrests and occasional violent clashes with counter-protesters.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that Hamas was unlikely to accept the latest hostage deal, suggesting that the military would soon launch an offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The United States and many other nations have urged Israel to refrain from invading Rafah, as it is home to over a million Palestinians who have fled conflict zones in Gaza.
Israel suspended humanitarian aid shipments through the Karem Abu Salem border crossing following a rocket attack that injured several people nearby. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not negotiate a deal that would exchange hostages for an end to the conflict, as such an agreement would only empower Hamas and endanger Israel's security. He stated that Israel was willing to temporarily halt hostilities to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.
In a separate development, Turkey announced a $7 billion cut in trade with Israel, citing Israel's uncompromising stance in the Gaza conflict.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reaffirmed the militants' commitment to a comprehensive cease-fire that includes Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. He blamed Netanyahu for prolonging the conflict and undermining mediation efforts.