February 26, 2026
Israeli authorities have designated five Palestinian news outlets as “terrorist organizations,” placing them under security restrictions typically applied to armed groups.
According to Israeli officials, Defence Minister Israel Katz signed an order banning the privately owned platforms Al-Asima News, Quds Plus, Maydan Al-Quds, Al-Quds Albawsala, and Maraj. The outlets, which report on developments in Jerusalem and surrounding areas, are accused of maintaining links to the Palestinian armed group Hamas and engaging in incitement.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that officials alleged connections between the outlets and militant activity, though no public evidence has been released to substantiate those claims.
The designation effectively subjects the outlets to sweeping security measures, potentially including the closure of offices, seizure of equipment, blocking of websites, and restrictions on operations.
In response to the ban, Al-Asima News announced on social media that it would suspend operations temporarily to safeguard its journalists. Al-Quds Albawsala denied the allegations and has continued publishing content.
Israel has previously taken similar actions against other media organizations. In recent years, authorities moved to shut down Qatari-owned broadcaster Al Jazeera and Beirut-based Al Mayadeen under a 2024 law that grants the government broad powers to restrict foreign broadcasters deemed to pose security threats.
Separately, on February 15, Palestinian freelance journalist Nisreen Salem was arrested and later charged with engaging with a “banned” outlet. According to her legal representative, she was initially held at Moscovia Detention Centre before being placed under house arrest on February 24.
As part of the conditions imposed, Salem was reportedly barred from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque for 180 days and prohibited from using social media, mobile phones, or other communication tools during her house arrest. She was also required to post bail of 2,000 Israeli shekels.
The latest measures come amid ongoing tensions over press freedom and media operations in the region.