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Al Jazeera denounces YouTube’s compliance with Israel’s ban on network

Al Jazeera denounces YouTube’s compliance with Israel’s ban on network

Livestreams of Al Jazeera Arabic, Al Jazeera English and Al Jazeera Mubasher blocked in Israel. Published On 29 Jan 202629 Jan 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share Al Jazeera has condemned YouTube’s compliance with an Israeli law banning the network’s livestreams in the country, warning that the move signals how major tech companies can be “co-opted as instruments of regimes hostile to freedom”. YouTube’s submission to Israel’s ban became apparent on Wednesday, days after Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karahi ordered a 90-day extension of an existing ban on the network’s operations in Israel, blocking broadcasting and internet companies from carrying the network’s content. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list On Thursday, with livestreams of Al Jazeera Arabic, Al Jazeera English and Al Jazeera Mubasher blocked in Israel, the network denounced YouTube for failing to uphold the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. “Such principles mandate that global tech companies ensure freedom of expression and resist government pressures that lead to the withholding of the truth and the silencing of independent journalism,” it said in a statement. “The Network stresses that this escalation is part of a broader and systematic pattern of Israeli violations, including the killing and detention of its journalists and the closure of its offices in the occupied territories, aimed at suppressing the truth.” Israel has killed more than 270 journalists and media workers since it launched its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023. Some have been from Al Jazeera, including correspondent Anas al-Sharif, 28, who was killed with three of his colleagues in an Israeli strike on a media tent in Gaza City in August. In May 2024, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet voted to shut down Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel, weeks after the Israeli parliament passed a law allowing the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters considered to be a “threat to national security”. Advertisement In September that year, Israeli forces stormed Al Jazeera’s offices in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, confiscating equipment and documents and closing the network’s office. In December last year, the Israeli parliament approved an extension of the 2024 law, called the “Al Jazeera law”, for two more years. In Thursday’s statement, Al Jazeera called on YouTube and other digital companies to immediately lift the ban on its channels, urging media freedom and human rights organisations join it in condemning Israel’s targeting of the media. Adblock test (Why?)

Hakan Fidan on Iran and Turkiye’s role in global security

Hakan Fidan on Iran and Turkiye’s role in global security

Turkish foreign minister warns against escalation with Iran, explaining how Ankara sees the future of regional security. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warns that attacking Iran would be wrong and says Tehran is ready to return to negotiations. He urges a step-by-step diplomatic approach and cautions against escalation. Fidan also discusses Turkiye’s position on the future of regional and global security cooperation and the role it can play as the post-World War II order fractures and trust between states erodes. Published On 29 Jan 202629 Jan 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share Adblock test (Why?)

Inside Gaza after Israel’s last captive is found

Inside Gaza after Israel’s last captive is found

With the final Israeli captive returned, Palestinians are waiting to see if Israel will now implement a true ceasefire. The remains of the final Israeli captive have been returned from Gaza. For months, the Israeli government has cited the remaining bodies of captives as a reason for limiting crossings, delaying aid deliveries and slowing the implementation of the agreed ceasefire. With this justification now gone, what will change for Palestinians in Gaza? In this episode:  Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Melanie Marich, with Tamara Khandaker, Tuleen Barakat, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Published On 29 Jan 202629 Jan 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share Adblock test (Why?)