Israel’s digital occupation of Palestine

ISRAEL’S DIGITAL OCCUPATION OF PALESTINE

Israel’s digital occupation of Palestine

After more than a year of Israel’s current war on Gaza, Access Now stands with the Palestinian people, who continue to endure one of the deadliest and most destructive wars in recent history. Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 42,000 people and injured at least 97,000 more, with many bodies remaining buried under the rubble or in mass graves. Over 90 percent of the population has been displaced, and the everyday infrastructure of civilian life, including homes, hospitals, and schools, has been decimated. 

We also express our solidarity with the people of Lebanon, who are facing escalating violence from Israeli airstrikes, targeted assassinations, and a ground invasion, which have so far killed more than 2,000 people and displaced another 1.2 million. As the violence and atrocities continue, we extend our solidarity to everyone in Israel, Syria, broader Palestine, and across the region, and the world who have been personally impacted by this conflict and whose communities have been targeted with violence.

Attacks on digital rights in times of conflict and crisis enable offline human rights abuses and exacerbate people’s suffering. The protection of free expression and access to information is a lifeline for people struggling to keep themselves and their communities out of harm’s way. Upholding the right to free association and peaceful assembly is vital for expressions of solidarity, and for creating a pathway to demand accountability from all warring parties. We continue to call for an immediate physical and digital ceasefire to prevent the worsening of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and further loss of innocent lives.

Civil society actions

Cover Image: It's not a glitch: how Meta systematically censors Palestinian voices
Freedom of Expression

Meta must take immediate action to stop the systematic censorship of Pro-Palestinian voices

30 Apr 2024

The StopSilencingPalestine campaign sent a letter to Meta. However, the company’s response lacked concrete steps to address the detrimental effects of its policies on human rights, both online and offline.

Press Release
Meta must take immediate action to stop the systematic censorship of Pro-Palestinian voices
30 Apr 2024
Meta must take immediate action to stop the systematic censorship of Pro-Palestinian voices
Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Freedom of Expression

A step in the right direction: Meta Oversight Board’s opinion on the term “shaheed”

26 Mar 2024

Access Now welcome the Oversight Board’s opinion urging Meta to end its blanket ban on the term “shaheed” when referring to individuals designated as dangerous.

Press Release
A step in the right direction: Meta Oversight Board’s opinion on the term “shaheed”
26 Mar 2024
A step in the right direction: Meta Oversight Board’s opinion on the term “shaheed”
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Internet Shutdowns

Palestine unplugged: how Israel disrupts Gaza’s internet

10 Nov 2023

This report illustrates the state of Gaza’s internet throughout October 2023 by looking at internet traffic by ISPs and locations.

Publication
Palestine unplugged: how Israel disrupts Gaza’s internet
10 Nov 2023
Palestine unplugged: how Israel disrupts Gaza’s internet
Telecoms and Internet Connectivity Gaza
Internet Shutdowns

A week in the dark: connectivity in Gaza must be restored now

18 Jan 2024

For a week, Gaza has been under a complete internet and telecom blackout, the longest since October. The international community must act to #KeepItOn.

Press Release
A week in the dark: connectivity in Gaza must be restored now
18 Jan 2024
A week in the dark: connectivity in Gaza must be restored now
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Internet Shutdowns

فلسطين خارج التغطية: كيف تقطع إسرائيل الإنترنت عن غزة

24 Nov 2023

يقدّم هذا التقرير دراسة لحالة الإنترنت في قطاع غزة طوال شهر أكتوبر 2023 من خلال تحليلٍ حركة الإنترنت حسب مزوّدي خدمات الإنترنت في مختلف مواقع القطاع.

Publication
فلسطين خارج التغطية: كيف تقطع إسرائيل الإنترنت عن غزة
24 Nov 2023
فلسطين خارج التغطية: كيف تقطع إسرائيل الإنترنت عن غزة
Cover Image: It's not a glitch: how Meta systematically censors Palestinian voices
Content Governance

Meta is revisiting its hate speech policy on Zionism — here’s why it’s (still) a bad idea

27 Mar 2024

Meta is (re)considering how to moderate content involving the term “Zionist.” Here’s why this hate speech policy is (still) a bad idea.

Post
Meta is revisiting its hate speech policy on Zionism — here’s why it’s (still) a bad idea
27 Mar 2024
Meta is revisiting its hate speech policy on Zionism — here’s why it’s (still) a bad idea
Cover Image: It's not a glitch: how Meta systematically censors Palestinian voices
Content Governance

It’s not a glitch: how Meta systematically censors Palestinian voices

19 Feb 2024

This Access Now report documented cases of how Meta censors Palestinian voices on Facebook and Instagram.

Publication
It’s not a glitch: how Meta systematically censors Palestinian voices
19 Feb 2024
It’s not a glitch: how Meta systematically censors Palestinian voices
Telegram in Kenya
Internet Shutdowns

What the U.S. can and must do to reconnect Gaza

18 Jan 2024

Gaza is suffering under its ninth recent telecommunications and internet shutdown. We outline how the U.S. can help reconnect Gaza.

Post
What the U.S. can and must do to reconnect Gaza
18 Jan 2024
What the U.S. can and must do to reconnect Gaza
#StopSilencingPalestine: U.S. Senator joins civil society's call
Content Governance

A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms

12 Feb 2024

Access Now joins over 70 civil society organizations in urging Meta to abstain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms.

Press Release
A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms
12 Feb 2024
A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms
Palestine-Header
Freedom of Expression

#StopSilencingPalestine: Meta must overhaul its biased content moderation

6 Dec 2023

Access Now and the #StopSilencingPalestine campaign are again calling Meta to end its long history of censoring Palestinian voices.

Press Release
#StopSilencingPalestine: Meta must overhaul its biased content moderation
6 Dec 2023
#StopSilencingPalestine: Meta must overhaul its biased content moderation
Ceasefire in Lebanon
Content Governance

U.S. Senator joins civil society’s call: #StopSilencingPalestine

15 Dec 2023

U.S. Senator joins civil society’s call to #StopSilencingPalestine. Meta’s censorship of Palestine-related content must end now.

Press Release
U.S. Senator joins civil society’s call: #StopSilencingPalestine
15 Dec 2023
U.S. Senator joins civil society’s call: #StopSilencingPalestine

Guides

Journalists Palestine Lebanon
Digital Security

Staying safe online in the context of conflict in Gaza  

24 Oct 2023

This digital resilience tipsheet compiled by Access Now and SMEX is designed to support you in defending against reported threats.

Guide
Staying safe online in the context of conflict in Gaza  
24 Oct 2023
Staying safe online in the context of conflict in Gaza  
Tech and conflict
Transparency

Tech and conflict: a guide for responsible business conduct

18 May 2023

This guide is meant to help tech companies think through the impacts of their decisions in the context of conflict.

Guide
Tech and conflict: a guide for responsible business conduct
18 May 2023
Tech and conflict: a guide for responsible business conduct
Regulating digital platforms
Content Governance

Content governance in times of crisis: how platforms can protect human rights

29 Nov 2022

The “Declaration for content and platform governance principles in times of crisis” lays out principles for social media platforms to help ensure privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information during crises.

Publication
Content governance in times of crisis: how platforms can protect human rights
29 Nov 2022
Content governance in times of crisis: how platforms can protect human rights
Digital Security Helpline BG
Digital Security

DIGITAL SECURITY HELPLINE

29 Jul 2022

Our Helpline provides 24/7 free of charge technical support for journalists, activists, and human rights defenders

Page
DIGITAL SECURITY HELPLINE
29 Jul 2022
DIGITAL SECURITY HELPLINE

Additional resources

FAQS

What does Palestine’s online space look like?

Historically, online spaces have been more restricted and difficult to access in Palestine than in other countries. This is largely due to interference with available technology, online censorship, and surveillance, including:

Since the Israeli siege on Gaza escalated, access to internet and telecommunications services have been severely limited. This is a result of attacks on civilian infrastructure, fuel depletion, and deliberate shutdowns by Israeli authorities, including:

  • Al–Watan Tower, a building that houses media offices and serves as a hub for internet service providers has been targeted by Israeli airstrikes. 
  • The offices of two other ISPs, Paltel and Jawwal, were also destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
  • Based on our analysis of available data, as of October 31, 15 of the 19 providers operating in Gaza were facing a complete shutdown of their mobile and broadband services, and the internet traffic across Gaza had decreased by over 80%.
  • As of November 20, there had been four full communication blackouts in Gaza: on October 27-29, November 1, November 5, and on November 16 as Paltel announced the shutdown of their services in Gaza due to fuel depletion.

How have internet shutdowns been weaponized in this war? 

Over the past year, people in Gaza have endured 16 internet shutdowns; a form of digital occupation used to silence millions of people trapped and struggling to survive in Gaza, and to further isolate them from the outside world. Digital blackouts, fuel shortages and attacks on telecom infrastructure have severely crippled essential services, deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Since the Israeli attacks on Gaza escalated, access to internet and telecommunications services have been severely limited due to attacks on civilian infrastructure, fuel depletion, and deliberate shutdowns by Israeli authorities. Israeli airstrikes targeted key telecom sites, includingAl–Watan Tower, a building that houses media offices and serves as a hub for internet service providers, and . the offices of two other ISPs, Paltel and Jawwal. Of Gaza’s 19 ISP, 15 experienced total service shutdowns, while the remaining four faced severe disruptions. Tragically, two Jawwal technicians were killed by an Israeli missile while attempting to restore connectivity in Khan Younis.

How are social media and tech platforms contributing to the silencing of Palestinian voices?

For years, Palestinian voices have been systematically silenced online. Since October 7, social media platforms including Meta have disproportionately removed Palestinian and pro-Palestinian content, erasing the narratives of those directly impacted by the war, as well as expressions of support for their plight. Tech companies such as Google and Amazon have yet to clarify whether they are facilitating Israel’s military operations in Gaza, and there have been widespread concerns raised about the use of AI systems for automated targeting in Gaza.

What types of technologies have been deployed during the war on Gaza, and how have they impacted civilians?

Media reports highlight the use of AI systems by the Israeli military for automated targeting, including tools like “Lavender,” “The Gospel,” and “Where’s Daddy?” which monitor individuals in real-time and help generate targets for strikes. These technologies have raised concerns about their role in civilian casualties and the broader ethical implications of using AI in warfare.

What can the international community do to defend digital rights for people impacted by this conflict?

Civil society has issued 25 recommendations for parties to the conflict, international organizations, global leaders, private sector actors, and other international stakeholders in support of an immediate physical and digital ceasefire. Individuals can support by holding their home governments accountable for responding to these calls to action, speaking out in support of a ceasefire, seeking out trustworthy news sources, and amplifying the voices of Palestinians who are being silenced online.

Latest updates

ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence

Access Now: İsrail’in Filistin’e yönelik dijital işgaline karşı mücadele

21 Nov 2024
News
Access Now: İsrail’in Filistin’e yönelik dijital işgaline karşı mücadele
Bianet ↗
21 Nov 2024
Access Now: İsrail’in Filistin’e yönelik dijital işgaline karşı mücadele
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Expression

Toward a digital ceasefire

20 Nov 2024

The ascent of cyber warfare is weaponizing our digital world; it’s time to embrace the concept of “digital ceasefire.”

Post
Toward a digital ceasefire
20 Nov 2024
Toward a digital ceasefire
Journalists Palestine Lebanon
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Expression

Statement on the targeting and killing of journalists in Palestine and Lebanon

11 Nov 2024

We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese journalists bravely reporting amid life-threatening risks.

Press Release
Statement on the targeting and killing of journalists in Palestine and Lebanon
11 Nov 2024
Statement on the targeting and killing of journalists in Palestine and Lebanon
ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
Content Governance
Content Governance

Meta’s Israel Policy Chief tried to suppress pro-Palestinian Instagram posts

22 Oct 2024
News
Meta’s Israel Policy Chief tried to suppress pro-Palestinian Instagram posts
The Intercept ↗
22 Oct 2024
Meta’s Israel Policy Chief tried to suppress pro-Palestinian Instagram posts
Big Tech and the risk of Genocide in Gaza
Surveillance
Surveillance

Big Tech and the risk of genocide in Gaza: what are companies doing?

10 Oct 2024

Big Tech is playing a central role in enabling the relentless mass slaughter and destruction unleashed in the war in Gaza.

Post
Big Tech and the risk of genocide in Gaza: what are companies doing?
10 Oct 2024
Big Tech and the risk of genocide in Gaza: what are companies doing?
Journalists Palestine Lebanon
Digital Divide
Digital Divide

Israeli realtors use Eventbrite to hawk illegal settlements on Palestinian land

7 Oct 2024
News
Israeli realtors use Eventbrite to hawk illegal settlements on Palestinian land
The Progressive ↗
7 Oct 2024
Israeli realtors use Eventbrite to hawk illegal settlements on Palestinian land
Restore Telecoms and Internet Connectivity in Gaza Now!
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence

L’Intelligenza artificiale e l’occupazione digitale della Palestina

17 Sep 2024
News
L’Intelligenza artificiale e l’occupazione digitale della Palestina
Il Mitte ↗
17 Sep 2024
L’Intelligenza artificiale e l’occupazione digitale della Palestina
Telecommunications blackout in the Gaza Strip is an attack on human rights
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

In Gaza, keeping the internet on can cost lives but also save them

9 Aug 2024
News
In Gaza, keeping the internet on can cost lives but also save them
Reuters ↗
9 Aug 2024
In Gaza, keeping the internet on can cost lives but also save them
ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
Content Governance
Content Governance

Tomar las redes socialespara exigir un alto al fuego en Palestina

20 Jul 2024
News
Tomar las redes socialespara exigir un alto al fuego en Palestina
Gatopardo ↗
20 Jul 2024
Tomar las redes socialespara exigir un alto al fuego en Palestina
ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence

How German top research institute benefits Israeli AI tech used against Palestinians

19 Jul 2024
News
How German top research institute benefits Israeli AI tech used against Palestinians
The New Arab ↗
19 Jul 2024
How German top research institute benefits Israeli AI tech used against Palestinians
ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence

We need digital ceasefires to tackle warfare in the digital age

18 Jul 2024
News
We need digital ceasefires to tackle warfare in the digital age
Context News ↗
18 Jul 2024
We need digital ceasefires to tackle warfare in the digital age
|Human rights problem with Google Cloud Platform in Saudi Arabia - Twitter thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence

These corporations are the true “winners” of the war on Gaza

4 Jul 2024
News
These corporations are the true “winners” of the war on Gaza
The Nation ↗
4 Jul 2024
These corporations are the true “winners” of the war on Gaza