Al Jazeera has responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criticism of the network during his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In a statement released on Friday, Al Jazeera Media Network stated that it "categorically rejects" Netanyahu's remarks, which it views as part of Israel's "sustained campaign against Al Jazeera and its journalists."
During his UNGA address on Thursday, Netanyahu criticized various media outlets, specifically naming Al Jazeera as one of the world's "toxic media outlets" that seeks to "brainwash young minds to hate Israel." Al Jazeera contended that Netanyahu's comments aimed to hinder the network's ability to report factual information, document events, and provide diverse perspectives.
The network expressed concern that such rhetoric, especially when delivered from a UN podium, poses a threat to the safety of its journalists in the field. Al Jazeera highlighted the dangers faced by its journalists, noting that over 270 journalists have been killed in Gaza amid ongoing violence, with at least 12 of those being Al Jazeera reporters.
The statement also mentioned that many journalists and camera operators have lost their lives while performing their duties, often following campaigns of incitement against them. According to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, of the more than 73,000 people killed in Gaza, at least 706 were family members of Palestinian journalists.
Al Jazeera pointed out that Israel has a history of cracking down on the network, including a cabinet decision two years ago to shut down its operations in the country, which involved closing offices and banning broadcasts. The network emphasized that such measures not only target Al Jazeera but also threaten the public's right to access accurate information and independent journalism.
In its statement, Al Jazeera reaffirmed the importance of journalism in providing facts and context while allowing individuals to assess sources and form their own opinions.