The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) has followed the termination of the employment contracts of 24 Palestinian journalists and media professionals by Al-Jazeera channel. The journalists were offered an option to become freelancers, without employment benefits, insurance, or job security.  

This unfair decision has impacted the lives of many brave journalists and media workers who have endured years of working while facing serious personal risks and security concerns to bring truth to the attention of the world. Al-Jazeera was criticised for such arbitrary actions. No response was issued by the administration of the channel. 

The decision reflects a betrayal to journalism and to the principles of Al-Jazeera channel itself, which include the following, “Al-Jazeera continued on its journalistic mission and garnered international recognition and awards for its in-depth and uncompromising journalism.” However, Al-Jazeera is often criticised for its limited coverage of Qatari affairs, particularly the human rights situation there, which confirms its bias and casts serious doubt on its claim of in-depth and impartial journalism. Moreover, the arbitrary dismissal of 24 journalists clearly demonstrates a structural flaw within the channel.

Mahmoud Shalha, one of the terminated journalists, posted on his account on the X platform a video lamenting about the sacrifices endured by the journalists who report from the ground. He also wrote a moving post on X saying that he was the sole survivor in August 2025 of the massacre of Al-Jazeera channel’s tent that was next to Al-Shifa hospital. In that incident, five journalists were killed while on duty. He said his job provided the main source of income for himself and his family, and the means by which he genuinely and continuously delivered news to the channel even when his colleagues were being killed. 

He also stated that the channel told him in a 15-second phone call of the termination, and that was all he received from Al-Jazeera after three years of working there. The channel did not offer any explanation, advanced notice, or even pay his overdue payments. He expressed sorrow that the termination does not match the sacrifices of the journalists. 

Some of the other terminated journalists were Mohammed Al-Sharif, Mohammed Shaheen, in addition to Mahmoud Shalha. They represent some of the well-known field reporters in Gaza. Though some media professional networks have criticised the decision, the support and solidarity for the terminated journalists remain limited. The contagion of limited media freedom is spreading steadily and relentlessly in the region’s authoritarian states, which requires hard work and more advocacy efforts to combat.

Recommendations

GCHR calls on the Qatari authorities as sponsors of Al-Jazeera and the administration of the channel to:

1. Immediately restore the jobs to those affected to ensure that a genuine voice is given to the voiceless, especially at a time of war;
2. Ensure that their stated mission and vision is aligned with the practice of the channel administration; and
3. Respect the audience of the channel who tune in for critical and quality reporting from the field, including reports on Qatar politics and practices affecting human rights and journalistic freedom and integrity.

In addition, the independent media networks and non-profit associations of media workers everywhere must support and advocate for the terminated journalists by all means possible.