Court in Israel extends Al Jazeera ban by 60 days

A court in Israel has maintained a ban on Al Jazeera, extending the closure of its offices in the occupied Palestinian territories for a further 60-day period on February 17th, according to The New Arab and agencies.

Since Israel’s government first imposed the ban during May, the move would be the sixth consecutive extension. The ban has essentially silenced Al Jazeera broadcasts in the country, with authorities raiding and closing its offices, with occupied East Jerusalem, claiming that the news organisation is a tool of propaganda for Hammas.

Under the country’s “Al Jazeera Law,” the government is able to prohibit foreign media outlets it regards to be a risk to national security for periods of 45 days, at a time.

The New Arab and agencies