In Israel, amid the trauma of the 7 October massacre by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli military offensive in Gaza, a silencing of dissenting voices has ensued,
Euronews reports.
Palestinians there have told Euronews they fear arrest if they were accused of speaking out about the war - including liking or sharing messages on social media platforms.
Critical Israelis, including university lecturers, journalists, and politicians, said they have already been targeted just one month into the conflict.
Arab-Israeli politician Aida Touma-Suleiman, who has condemned Hamas' attack on Israelis, said she was prevented from showing similar compassion to Palestinians in Gaza.
“I don’t have walks with my grandchildren anymore because I don’t want anyone to know they’re my grandchildren,” she told Euronews' Shona Murray.
“There's a huge incitement against anyone who dares to protest against this war or to even reveal a little bit of empathy toward what is happening in Gaza.
"We are not allowed even to cry for a Palestinian child who is killed there.”
A task force designed to monitor hateful speech against the state of Israel was set up in February by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
And in recent weeks, the Israeli court system has upheld the remand of those accused of breaching the law – judges say it’s necessary given that the country is in a ‘time of war’.
Amir Badran and Itamar Avneri are Palestinian and Jewish political allies who are working for a joint approach to tackle fear and hatred which has gravely deteriorated between the two communities.
