A security guard who was on shift during a recent Israeli soldiers' raid on the Al Jazeera office in Ramallah described a harrowing experience as soldiers used explosives to breach the building's entrance. The guard, Abu Amer, recounted being startled from almost falling asleep by the sound of bombs shattering the main door.
Upon investigating, Abu Amer witnessed the soldiers throwing multiple explosives, causing extensive damage to both the exterior and interior of the building. The main door was destroyed, and the steps leading to the entrance were also significantly impacted.
Al Jazeera swiftly condemned the raid, labeling it a 'criminal act by the Israeli occupation forces' based on what they deemed 'unfounded allegations.' The staff present at the office were given a mere ten minutes to gather their personal belongings before being forced to vacate the premises. Furthermore, a military order was issued to close the office for a period of 45 days.
The Al Jazeera office in Ramallah has been a longstanding operational hub for the network, gaining even more significance after the closure of its Jerusalem office and the seizure of communication equipment by Israeli authorities in May. These actions by the Israeli government have drawn criticism from the United Nations and various rights groups, who have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to curtail press freedoms.
