Media Network Al Jazeera has rejected the remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, describing the network as a “toxic” media corporation.

In a statement on Friday, the network said it “categorically rejects” the claims made by the prime minister, adding that the remarks were part of what it calls the latest development in a sustained campaign against the network and its journalists in carrying out their professional obligations.

“The Network regards these remarks as the latest development in a sustained campaign against Al Jazeera and its journalists for carrying out their professional duties: reporting facts from the ground, documenting events, providing context and ensuring that a range of voices and perspectives are heard,” the statement read.

Al Jazeera cited the number of its journalists and camera operators who have been lost due to the war in Gaza, saying, “This rhetoric cannot be separated from the heavy toll borne by Al Jazeera’s journalists in Gaza. The Network has lost a number of journalists and camera operators while they were carrying out their work. Some were subjected to campaigns of incitement and vilification before being targeted.

“That such rhetoric was delivered from the podium of the United Nations is a matter of particular concern, given the threat such rhetoric poses to the safety of Al Jazeera journalists working in the field.”

It said that Mr Netanyahu’s remarks also come amid several bans issued on the network’s operations, the closure of its offices, and restrictions preventing its journalists from reaching the scenes of events.

The network added, “These measures do not target Al Jazeera alone; they also undermine the right of every person to access truthful information and independent journalistic coverage.

“Al Jazeera Media Network calls on the international community, United Nations bodies and press freedom organisations to fulfil their responsibilities to protect journalists under international law and to ensure that those responsible for targeting them are held accountable.”

The network reaffirmed that its editorial decisions were governed independently by professional and ethical standards, saying, “The role of journalism is to provide the world with facts and context, while respecting the right and ability of individuals to assess sources and form their own opinions.”

Al Jazeera said that it remains committed to pursuing its journalistic mission around the world with professionalism, independence, integrity and responsibility, adding that the trust of its audiences and their right to know will remain at the core of its mission. 

Before Mr Netanyahu’s speech at the UN General Assembly, dozens of delegates walked out on the prime minister. He described those who walked while he climbed the podium as “moral cowards.”