News
Israel Bans Al Jazeera, Shuts Down Broadcast Stations
Israel’s cabinet unanimously voted to shut down Al Jazeera in the country on Sunday, immediately ordering the closure of its offices and a ban on the company’s broadcasts.
The decision was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on X. Hours later, Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi published footage on X showing Israeli authorities – specifically inspectors from the Ministry of Communications, backed by the police – raiding the Al Jazeera office in East Jerusalem and confiscating the channel’s equipment.
The shutdown comes a month after Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, passed a law on April 1 that allowed Israel to temporarily shut down foreign media outlets — including Al Jazeera — if it deems them a threat to security.
In a previously recorded report, Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan, reporting from occupied East Jerusalem, explained the terms of the law further. Based on the law, the Al Jazeera website is banned in Israel, “including anything that has the option of entering or accessing the website, even passwords that are needed, whether they’re paid or not, and whether it’s stored on Israeli servers or outside of Israel”, Khan added.
Additionally, the Al Jazeera television channel is completely banned in Israel, he explained. Within the country, cable providers now show a message that the network is prohibited from the air, though in East Jerusalem, some people have told Al Jazeera that they could still access the channel on television as of Monday afternoon.
Khan added that the internet access provider that hosts aljazeera.net “is also in danger of being fined if they host the website”.
Akiva Eldar, a political analyst and contributor to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, told Al Jazeera that the shutdown is “a very populistic move to feed the beast of the public opinion that is very disappointed from the conduct of the government in Gaza and in the international arena”, adding that this is also “to please the partners from the radical right”. Netanyahu’s government relies on support from a band of far-right parties and leaders — many of them, like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, holding key positions in the cabinet.
Karhi’s office said that Al Jazeera is shut down for 45 days, and the shutdown can be renewed, in accordance with the law passed on April 1.
When the law was passed, Netanyahu said he would “act immediately” in accordance with it to stop Al Jazeera’s activity. However, the timing of the shutdown, a month later, coincides with crucial negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the war, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, where Al Jazeera has its headquarters.
Al Jazeera has been targeted by Israel before: Netanyahu threatened to shut down its Jerusalem office back in 2017, and an Israeli missile destroyed the building housing the broadcaster’s office in Gaza in 2021. Many Al Jazeera journalists — and in several cases, their families — have been killed in Israeli firing or bombing, including during the current war in Gaza.
On Sunday, Al Jazeera released a statement condemning the shutdown, describing it as a “criminal act” and warning that Israel’s suppression of the free press “stands in contravention of international and humanitarian law”.
The statement further said that Al Jazeera would continue to provide news to a global audience.
Al Jazeera’s correspondents can no longer report from Israel, including occupied East Jerusalem. This is because both the main office in West Jerusalem and the office in occupied East Jerusalem were closed and equipment was confiscated.
Karhi said the equipment he ordered to be confiscated included editing and routing equipment, cameras, microphones, servers and laptops, alongside wireless transmission equipment and some mobile phones.
In the pre-recorded report, Al Jazeera’s Khan added that Israel is also banning any device used for providing content. “That includes my mobile phone. If I use that to do any kind of news gathering, then the Israelis can simply confiscate it”.
While it is unclear how the shutdown will affect the reporting from Al Jazeera correspondents who are in Gaza or the occupied West Bank, access to both Palestinian regions is controlled largely by Israel. Al Jazeera has called earlier attacks on its journalists and offices attempts to target its journalism and stop it from reporting on Israel’s assaults on Palestinians — including during the current war.
Since the beginning of the war on October 7, Israel has largely blocked entry into Gaza for foreign journalists.
That has meant that Al Jazeera’s correspondents in Gaza have been among the few from a major international media organisation to bring the deadly Israeli bombardment and killings in the Palestinian enclave to a global audience.
In February, more than 50 international broadcast journalists signed an open letter to Egyptian and Israeli authorities to call for “free and unfettered access to Gaza for all foreign media”.
Journalism advocacy groups and officials from around the world denounced the ban, warning it could stopper the free flow of information and chill democratic ideals.
“Israel makes much of being a democracy, and I think the idea that it can simply close down an international broadcaster of considerable repute and history is atrocious,” Tim Dawson from the International Federation of Journalists said in an interview with Al Jazeera. “Sadly, it is part of a long set of actions that the Israeli government has taken to try and thwart free reporting of this conflict.”
Speaking from the White House in Washington, DC, on Monday, national security advisor John Kirby reiterated that the administration of United States President Joe Biden opposed the shuttering of Al Jazeera in Israel.
“We don’t support that action, as we said very clearly on World Press Freedom Day on Friday,” Kirby explained.
“The work of independent journalism around the world is absolutely vital. It’s important to an informed citizenry and public, but it’s also important to help inform the policy-making process. So we don’t support that at all.”
The UN human rights office also condemned the shutdown in a post on the social media platform X on Sunday.
Greek economist and former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis posted on X on Monday, condemning the shutdown. “Israel’s banning of Al Jazeera is one aspect of its War On Truth. It aims at preventing Israelis from knowing that what goes on in Gaza,” he wrote.
On X, many others referenced Israel’s declared plan to launch a ground offensive in Gaza’s Rafah, its latest such land assault in seven months of unrelenting war in which more than 34,700 people have been killed.
Diane Abbott, United Kingdom parliamentarian, also condemned the shutdown in an X post on Monday.
Eldar, who spoke to Al Jazeera from Tel Aviv, said: “This is, I’m afraid, not the last step.”
He said that other news outlets might also see a shutdown by the Israeli government. “We know that there are ministers, among them the minister of communication, that are looking at other networks, including Israeli channels, that are not satisfying the government”.
In November, Karhi, the communications minister, threatened Eldar’s newspaper, Haaretz, with sanctions over its critical coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza.
Eldar also added that he expected the law that the Netanyahu government used to shut down Al Jazeera to be challenged in court.
Al Jazeera also called on media freedom and human rights organisations to condemn the shutdown and is currently assessing what to do next. The statement published by the media network on Sunday said it would pursue “all available legal channels to protect both its rights and journalists”.
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
Each delay is perfectly fine, for we are within the safe hands of God – Madame Guyon
Many principles, other than perception, govern life and living, and they include, no pain, no gain; seed time and harvest time; Karma and gravity. There’s however, another principle called delayed gratification. A thorough understanding, and successful application of these principles will yield positive results.
But uniformed minds are still at sea as regards how the principles of life work. They feel and think life is a function of chance, connections, forces of the universe and divine providence. Yes, all these acts play a role in influencing how life operates, but the ultimate and universal truth is that, apart from God, life is governed by principles. Even nature made it possible for a woman to conceive for nine months all things being equal, before she is delivered of her child.
It is worthy of note that there principles that are endearing to the heart. They are the principles of honesty, integrity, courage, humility, love, responsibility, service, and discipline; all these makes one to be unique. People will respect and work with you when they know you, and what you represent. They will adjust to suit you.
Here are a few examples that illustrate life as governed by principles:
Spiritual Growth Principle:
This principle refers to a belief in something greater than oneself. It involves finding purpose, meaning, and inner strength through connecting with a higher power or connecting with one’s own inner wisdom. It is what you believe that will work for you. If you keep thinking about lack, the spirit of lack will gradually come to you without knowing. But if you are thinking about wealth, riches, abundance, the spirit of greatness will gradually attract opportunities that will usher you into the reign you desire and deserve.
Did you know one can have spiritual delays? You may be wondering how spiritual delay can affect you. You may have received a prophecy or proclamation from someone in authority, revelation via dream or even parental blessing; that’s very okay, but its manifestations will come through if you abide by the rules governing the revelations or proclamations. But when you decide to do otherwise, the blessings and opportunities will be delayed.
Spiritual principles work with the mindset. It attracts what it likes. Spiritual growth encourages individuals to cultivate gratitude, find peace within, and seek guidance and support in their recovery process.
The Principle of Service:
One of the best ways to get an opportunity is through service. Sometimes, opportunities come to you when you decide to intern, volunteer or even within communities. Trust me, people see people who participate. This principle works with leadership. You can’t be a great leader without being a good servant.
Through service, individuals not only assist others in their own recovery journey but also experience personal growth and fulfillment. By extending a helping hand, individuals create a sense of community, find inspiration, and reinforce their own commitment to sobriety. Service can take various forms, such as sharing experiences, providing support, or volunteering organizations.
These principles serve as guiding lights for individuals navigating the path of addiction recovery, emphasizing self-reflection, spiritual growth, and helping others.
One of the principles of life that is not properly understood is the principle of delayed success. As human beings, we sometimes experience delays in our business, academic, marriage, career or vocation. We may be thinking it’s over, but it’s not yet over, rather, it’s been packaged for a better time. One may be thinking life, and circumstances may be working against their interest, but that’s not the true position of things. According to Joel Osteen, it’s a setup for success. When life doesn’t go as planned, instead of questioning the moment, learn to appreciate the moment, especially when you have done what you are supposed to do.
To understand the relativity of destiny and delayed success, one’s destiny can’t be denied, at most, it can be delayed, and if it’s delayed, it’s for your own interest. One may be exploring an opportunity which is yet to manifest, rather than become anxious and desperate, be happy it didn’t happen yet because you may not know what would have happened assuming it happened.
Furthermore, to appreciate how delayed success works, as human beings, sometimes, waiting can be traumatic. This is because delays can make one to be unnecessarily anxious, impatient, and annoying. If it is not properly managed, it can cause more harm than good. Sometimes, we may ask ourselves, for how long will this suffering end, we fail to understand that delay can be orchestrated by the creator or universe to teach us humility, serenity, strength, and patience.
Did you know that delayed success if not properly managed can affect future opportunities especially when one is concerned about the past as opposed to enjoying the present? If you live in the past, you are likely to be stuck in the “why” mode. That means you always think about why things happened. That’s a recipe for unhappiness.
If you live in the future, you live in the “what if” mode. That state of mind causes anxiety about everything that might happen in the future. Again, that’s a recipe for living a timid life. How about living in the present mode and enjoying the vicissitudes life is bringing to you? You may stand a chance to learn one or two things.
In conclusion, as you journey towards life, endeavor to learn the associated principles, and one you experience delay, also learn the associated lessons because, above all, the principles will help you to relate with any situation.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design Your and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The much awaited annual National Security Conference and Awards of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), has finally arrived with the who is who in the Nigerian Security, cybersecurity, media and technology sector headlining the all important intellectual discourse.
Scheduled to hold at the Ballroom of the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Conference, with the theme, CONNECTING THE DOT BETWEEN IDENTITY TRACKING AND NATIONAL SECURITY, has been described by the Association’s national president, Mr. Oki O. Samson, as the mother of all Security discourses in recent times.
Speaking in a statement signed by the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Eric Elezuo, the president noted that security giants in the Nigerian body polity are expected to grace the event. Some of them are the Honourable Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who will be the Distinguished Keynote Speaker, having dedicated her service years to projection of intelligence gathering and extraordinary policing, and the hardworking and he for she Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Others are the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, who has remained a Security giant, leading Lagos State to the forefront of perfect safety and funding of agencies through provision of apparatuses and equipment required for excellent policing; the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida and Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu.
Also making the list of notable personalities expected at the meet are Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed A. Audi; Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun; the Managing Director, Executive Trainers Ltd, Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Ogunsan; Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI, Engr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu and Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada.
Also confirmed among the attendees are Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CM Shehu Mohammed; GMD/Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties, Aare (Dr.) Adetola Emmanuel-King; Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; Chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Retd); Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Ishola Olarenwaju Olawale; MD/CEO, Lagos State Bus Service Limited, Mr. Idowu Oguntona; CEO, Lagos Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service, (LACVIS), Prince Segun Obayendo; Board Member of Abia State Security Trust Fund, ASSTF, Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoma; and Commander, TRACE Ogun State, Commander (Dr.) Abdulfatai Olaseni Ogunyemi.
The statement hinted that the 2024 National Conference, which is in its 5th edition, is an avenue for the stakeholders in the private and public security sectors to brainstorm, and proffer solutions to the perennial security challenges that have bedeviled the nation across the regions.
“This is going to be a total shutdown in security conferences as an array of security giants are scheduled to attend and lend their professional opinions to the rising insecurity in the country, and provide sustainable solutions.
“The Association has put in so much in organizing the conference, and the impact is expected to arouse a new consciousness in safety, and a redefinition in security awareness.
“It is about connecting the severance dots that exists between identity tracking and national security towards ensuring that diverse security agencies synergise to protect the security architecture of the nation,” the statement noted.
Other personalities expected at the annual fiesta are GMD/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji; MD/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Oliver Alawuba; GMD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Founder, Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM), Prof. Daniel K. Olukoya; Head of National Office, WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut; Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, Special Adviser to the Senate President on Legal Matters; Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN.
Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Hon. Dele Osinowo; Commandant, NSCDC, FCT Command, Commandant (Dr.) Olusola Odumosu; General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki. Evangelist Ebuka Obi of Zion Movement, CEO, Badinson Security Services, Dr. Matthew Ibadin and Force PRO, Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The event starts at 10am prompt.
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has granted a N150 million bail to a former governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku.
Ishaku was arraigned on Monday alongside Bello Yero, former permanent secretary, bureau for local government and chieftaincy affairs.
Both men are being prosecuted on a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds.
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” when all the charges were read to them.
At the court session on Thursday, the defendants’ respective counsels moved their bail applications.
Rotimi Jacobs, prosecution counsel, said he would not object since the defendants have been granted administrative bail.
Sylvanus Oriji, presiding judge, granted the bail application.
He held that the defendants must produce two sureties each in like sum. The two sureties must be responsible citizens of Nigeria and must be residents within the FCT, with verifiable office and residential addresses.
One of the sureties produced by each defendant must be a director in the civil service.
The defendants must not travel outside the country without the court’s permission and must deposit their travel documents to the court.
Ishaku, 70, was governor of Taraba from 2015 to 2023.
In July 2023, the EFCC invited the former governor over some financial transactions conducted during his spell in office. He was later released on bail.
On September 27, 2024, Ishaku and Yero were arrested and detained by the commission.
