Israel shuts down Palestinian radio station
November 3, 2015
On Tuesday, the Israeli military said it had raided the broadcaster for urging attacks against Jews and spreading misinformation meant to incite hatred against the Israeli government.
Forces shut down the Al Hurria radio station in Hebron overnight. In addition to provoking violence, authorities claimed the station had also hailed those responsible for the slate of knife attacks targeting Jews.
Al Hurria was founded in 2002 in Gaza, but moved its office to Hebron in the West Bank following the militant group Hamas' ascension to power in Gaza. The military did not disclose for how long the radio station would be closed.
Accusations of incitement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the wave of violence sweeping Israel and the Palestinian Territories since the beginning of October is the result of Palestinian incitement, not Israeli policies. He has freuently called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to stop spreading lies meant to stir up opposition to the Israeli government.
To date, 11 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian knife attacks, while around 69 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli authorities.
Netanyahu's administration has faced criticism for its hardline approach toward the conflict, with many in the international community accusing it of using unnecessary force in dealing with Palestinian protestors.
blc/kms (AFP, dpa, AP)