Palestinian Authority Halts Al Jazeera Broadcasts Over 'Inciting Material'

The Palestinian Authority has suspended Qatar's Al Jazeera broadcasts for broadcasting 'inciting material.' The decision was made by a ministerial committee citing concerns of deception and strife. The suspension does not extend to Gaza. The decision follows criticism from the Fatah faction and Israeli military action against the outlet.

The Palestinian Authority has taken the significant step of suspending Al Jazeera TV broadcasts temporarily, citing 'inciting material,' as reported by WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency, on Wednesday.

A ministerial committee comprising the culture, interior, and communications ministries decided on the suspension, accusing the broadcaster of disseminating content that they claim is misleading and exacerbating tensions in the region. This suspension, however, will not affect operations in Hamas-controlled Gaza, where the Palestinian Authority does not have jurisdiction.

Al Jazeera's recent coverage of the standoff between Palestinian security forces and militant fighters in the Jenin camp in the West Bank has drawn sharp criticism from the Palestinian Authority. Fatah, which governs the Authority, accused the broadcaster of creating divisions within the 'Arab homeland,' especially in Palestine. Israelis added pressure by issuing a military order for the outlet's shutdown, following a raid on its West Bank office in Ramallah.

(With inputs from agencies.)