RAMALLAH, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas lifted on Monday a months-long ban on the operations of Al Jazeera television, allowing the Qatar-based media outlet to resume activities in the Palestinian territories starting Tuesday, according to local media.
Al Jazeera's West Bank bureau chief Walid al-Omari confirmed the decision, stating that the broadcaster's teams will return to work in accordance with local regulations and media protocols.
The Palestinian Authority imposed the ban in January, citing concerns over what it described as "incitement and threats to civil peace" in Al Jazeera's coverage.
The move drew criticism from several international media watchdogs and human rights organizations, which regarded the action as a restriction on press freedom.
No official explanation was given by the Palestinian presidency for the removal of the ban, but observers suggest the move may be part of a broader attempt to ease tensions between the Palestinian leadership and regional media outlets amid ongoing political and security challenges in the region. ■
