As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict enters its eighth month, the media and the flow of accurate information about the war have been severely impacted. The decision to close Al Jazeera’s office in Tel Aviv amid the escalating conflict in Gaza has only made this situation worse— preventing the world from getting a clear picture of the situation on the ground.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has stressed that the war has made it difficult to verify attacks on the press due to censorship, displacement, and a record number of journalist deaths. It has documented at least 97 journalists and media workers losing their lives during the conflict.

The killings have been compounded by serious censorship efforts. Through the issuance of the “Operation ‘Swords of Iron’ Israeli Chief Censor Directive to the Media,” the Israeli Military Censor has severely restricted reporting on sensitive topics such as military operations and political discussions, leading to over 6,500 news items being censored or altered in the past months, according to a report by the nonprofit news organization The Intercept. This highlights the extent of control over media narratives during this critical time.

Al Jazeera’s situation resonates deeply with community journalists in the Philippines, who face similar challenges under repressive governments. This shared experience underpins our vocal opposition to the closure of Al Jazeera in Tel Aviv—a stark symbol of broader threats to media freedom worldwide.

Altermidya Network stands with Al Jazeera in advocating for the freedom to report without fear. We urge global communities, media professionals, and human rights advocates to join us in this crucial call to ensure that journalists can continue to shine a light on the darkest corners of global events.