Israel designates five Palestinian news outlets as ‘terrorist’ groups
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Israel has designated five Palestinian news outlets as "terrorist" organizations without providing concrete evidence, raising concerns about the suppression of free speech. The move was announced by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz through a military order targeting Al Asima News, Quds Plus, Alquds Albawsala, Maraj, and Maydan Alquds. These platforms are accused of inciting unrest in Jerusalem and being linked to Hamas, though no proof has been presented.
The decision comes amid ongoing criticism of Israel's crackdown on media freedom in the occupied Palestinian territories. Journalists and rights groups highlight that these outlets serve as vital information sources for Palestinians, providing updates on Israeli actions in areas like East Jerusalem, which is inaccessible to most due to strict permit systems. Nour Odeh of Al Jazeera noted that without these outlets, Palestinians would lose critical insights into daily events.
This move follows a pattern of restrictive measures against Palestinian media, including bans on foreign journalists and the extension of restrictions on Al Jazeera's operations in Israel. Since Israel launched its offensive on Gaza in October 2023, nearly 300 journalists have been killed, according to Shireen.ps. Such actions raise concerns about the broader implications for press freedom and regional stability.
The designation of these media outlets as "terrorist" groups without evidence underscores a worrying trend of silencing critical voices. This not only impacts Palestinians' access to information but also sets a dangerous precedent for journalists worldwide, particularly in conflict zones where independent reporting is crucial. The international community has increasingly condemned such measures, viewing them as part of a broader effort to control narratives and suppress dissent.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026