In a move denounced by Al Jazeera as a "criminal act," Israel has ordered the closure of the Qatar-based news network within its borders. The decision, which comes following a recent law granting the government power to ban foreign networks deemed a threat to national security, has drawn widespread condemnation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the unanimous government decision on X, stating that the "incitement channel Al Jazeera will be closed in Israel." Ofir Gendelman, the prime minister's spokesperson, confirmed on X that the closure would be implemented immediately. Gendelman outlined the steps to be taken, including the confiscation of broadcast equipment, prevention of Al Jazeera correspondents from working in Israel, removal of the channel from cable and satellite providers, and blocking access to Al Jazeera's websites.

Israeli cable providers promptly ceased carrying Al Jazeera networks, and video footage obtained by CNN showed Israeli police and agents of the Israel Security Agency entering Al Jazeera's broadcasting position in Jerusalem on Sunday.

Al Jazeera has strongly criticized the Israeli government's decision, accusing it of suppressing the free press and violating the right to access information. The network denies allegations of inciting violence and undermining Israel's security, calling on media and human rights organizations to condemn the Israeli authorities' attacks on press freedom.

This closure comes in the context of escalating tensions between Israel and Al Jazeera, as well as concerns over biased coverage. Netanyahu and his government have long accused the network of anti-Israeli bias in its reporting.

The Foreign Press Association in Israel characterized the decision as "a dark day for democracy" and raised concerns about the implications for international media coverage of the Gaza conflict. Human Rights Watch also condemned the closure as an "assault on freedom of the press," urging the Israeli government to address the issue of alleged atrocities in Gaza rather than attempting to silence reporting on them.

The closure order coincides with ongoing negotiations in Cairo aimed at achieving a ceasefire and securing a hostage deal. While progress has been made on technical aspects of a potential agreement, Israeli sources suggest that it could take up to a week to finalize the deal itself.

Qatar, which is home to Al Jazeera, has been playing a significant role in the ceasefire negotiations amidst the ongoing conflict.

This is a developing story, and updates will follow.