In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority has repeatedly arrested critics for speech alone, including social media posts. Activists, journalists, bloggers, and ordinary citizens have been detained for accusations such as “insulting authorities” or “disturbing public order.” In several documented cases, prominent blogger-activists and online critics were violently arrested by PA security forces, held in detention, and subjected to beatings and other forms of ill-treatment. Public protests and campaigns demanding accountability for these abuses were themselves met with further arrests, intimidation, and physical violence. To date, accountability for such cases has remained limited, reinforcing the message that public criticism—especially when voiced online—can lead to detention, abuse, and severe personal consequences.

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In Gaza, Hamas enforces near-total suppression of dissent. Protesters have been beaten and detained en masse, and journalists covering demonstrations or economic grievances have been assaulted. Broad accusations such as “misuse of technology” or undermining “national unity” are used to silence critics. Fear of arrest or violence has normalized self-censorship, leaving little space for public debate or accountability inside the territory.

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