Al Jazeera criticizes YouTube for complying with Israels network ban

Al Jazeera Livestreams Blocked in Israel Due to Israeli Law

YouTube has confirmed that it is complying with an Israeli law banning Al Jazeera’s livestreams in the country. The ban, which was initially imposed in 2024, has been extended for two more years by the Israeli parliament. As a result, viewers in Israel are unable to access the network’s Arabic, English, and Mubasher channels.

Al Jazeera has condemned YouTube’s compliance with the law, stating that it is failing to uphold the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The principles require global tech companies to ensure freedom of expression and resist government pressures that lead to the withholding of information and the silencing of independent journalism.

The network has also denounced Israel’s actions against journalists and media workers in the occupied territories, citing a pattern of violations including killings, detentions, and office closures. In 2023, more than 270 journalists have been killed or detained by Israeli forces since the launch of its military operation in Gaza.

Al Jazeera is calling on YouTube and other digital companies to immediately lift the ban on its channels, urging media freedom and human rights organizations to join it in condemning Israel’s targeting of the media.

Source: Al Jazeera