Israel designates 5 Palestinian news sites ‘terrorist’ groups

Amman, February 26, 2026 –– The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Israeli authorities to lift their recent ban on five Palestinian news outlets, which Israel has designated “terrorist organizations,” placing them under security restrictions typically reserved for armed groups.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz signed an order on Sunday banning several privately-owned platforms — Al-Asima News, Quds Plus, Maydan Al-Quds, Al-Quds Albawsala, and Maraj — which cover developments in Jerusalem, alleging they are linked to the Palestinian armed group Hamas. The outlets are accused of “incitement and ties to militant activity,” Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported, citing Israeli officials, adding that no evidence has been released to support these allegations.

“This ban is part of a broader pattern by Israeli authorities of discrediting and silencing independent journalism, including repeatedly labeling journalists and media outlets as ‘terrorists’ without presenting and credible evidence,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s Regional Director for MENA. “Such baseless smears endanger reporters and erode press freedom. We call on Israeli authorities to immediately lift the ban and allow the press to operate without intimidation.”

Al-Asima News announced in a post on X that it would be suspending its operations until further notice to protect its journalists. Al-Quds Albawsala denied the accusations in a post on Instagram, and has continued reporting on the platform.

Israel has banned several other media outlets, including Qatari-owned broadcaster Al Jazeera and Beirut-based pro-Hezbollah broadcaster Al Mayadeen, under a 2024 law allowing the communications minister and prime minister to shut down offices, block websites, seize equipment, or shut down foreign broadcasters deemed a “security threat.”

On February 15, Palestinian freelance journalist Nisreen Salem was arrested and later charged with dealing with a “banned” outlet. Her lawyer told CPJ that she was held in Moscovia Detention Centre throughout her arrest, and that she was moved to house arrest on February 24.

She was also banned from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque for a period of 180 days, and prohibited from using social media, a mobile phone, or any other means of communication for the duration of her house arrest. She was required to pay a cash bail of 2,000 NIS (approximately $640 USD).