International Desk: The state's legislature Knesset has passed a law banning Qatar-based news channel Al-Jazeera in Israel.

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The law was passed by the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, on Monday (April 1).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Knesset to pass the law, Al-Jazeera reported. This law was passed by a total of 70-10 votes in the Parliament voting.

After the law was passed, Netanyahu promised to take swift action to shut down Al-Jazeera in Israel.

The Prime Minister of Israel wrote in a post on social media 'X' last Monday, "Al Jazeera harmed Israel's security, actively participated in the October 7 massacre and incited against Israeli soldiers." According to the new law, I will quickly take steps to stop the activities of this channel.

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The Qatar-based news network rejected what it described as a 'slanderous allegation' and accused Netanyahu of 'provocating'.

Al Jazeera officials said in a statement, "Such defamatory allegations will not deter us from continuing our courageous and professional coverage." Al Jazeera reserves the right to take legal action against false allegations.'

The US has criticized the move to close Al Jazeera in Israel. White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday that the Israeli move to shut down Al Jazeera would be 'concerning'.

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He added, 'The United States supports journalists working around the world, including those reporting on the conflict in Gaza. We believe freedom of the press is important.'

Media freedom watchdog The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said Israel's new law poses a significant threat to international media. This contributes to an atmosphere of self-censorship and hostility towards the press, a trend that has increased since the start of the Israel-Gaza war.

Sun News/AA