The Foreign Press Association (FPA) expressed in a statement its deep concern over the Palestinian Authority’s decision on the first of this month to temporarily suspend Al Jazeera’s broadcast in the Palestinian territories.

The association, which includes about 500 members representing international media operating in the Palestinian territories and Israel, added that the Palestinian Authority's action raises serious questions about press freedom and democratic values in the region, noting that Al Jazeera was a valuable source of information about the situation in the Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

The FPA called on the Palestinian Authority to immediately reconsider its decision and engage in constructive dialogue with Al Jazeera Network to address any concerns in a manner consistent with international standards of media freedom.