7amleh reflects on the war on Gaza

In a Q&A with IMS, partners from Palestine describe how priorities have changed and challenges mounted since 7 October 2023.

Please describe what your organisation normally does, and how you have had to prioritise your work in Gaza and on the West Bank since October 2023.

7amleh is a non-profit organisation dedicated to protect and advance Palestinian digital rights. We are committed to exposing digital rights violations by governments and companies and to strengthen digital security and advocacy capacities of civil society organisations and professionals.

Since October 2023, our work has not changed but rather increased significantly. For instance, the number of digital violation cases reported has tripled, if not more. Demand for digital security workshops has also increased. The need for analysis of repressive regulations has grown, and our advocacy efforts with social media companies have intensified, particularly as these companies have escalated their repressive policies.

In short, 7amleh’s work did not change, but the scale of our efforts certainly did. Additionally, 7amleh has defended journalistic work and content creation, successfully reactivated tens of blocked accounts and halted certain repressive policies enacted by social media companies.

Times of war time call for a heightened focus on combatting inflammatory speech and disinformation. We have launched “Daqeeq” (meaning Accurate); Wattan Fact Checking – Fighting Misinformation and Disinformation; Hate Speech and ‎Rumors; and Promoting Media and Digital Literacy.

What has been your most important task?

The primary focus has been the struggle against social media companies, particularly in relation to their discriminatory content moderation practices. These platforms have attempted to silence Palestinian voices through over-moderation of Arabic Palestinian content and a lack of moderation on Hebrew Israeli content, which has been deeply problematic and indicative of double standards.

What has been an important work-related lesson learned these past months?

7amleh has recognised the importance of international solidarity and coalition building, as well as how collective pressure on social media companies amplifies impact, raises awareness and influences key stakeholders.

Going forward, what do you see as your most important priority?

An illustration of a press badge with Hebrew and Arabic writing. Artwork: Haisam Al Saiegh — Artwork: Haisam Al Saiegh

7amleh’s main priority remains combating the discriminatory policies and regulations of social media companies. We work to limit genocidal rhetoric and ensure that Palestinian content receives fair treatment in content moderation.