Hi {contact.first_name},

The ongoing conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel has quickly become a humanitarian catastrophe. But it has also developed into a freedom of expression crisis – with unprecedented numbers of journalists killed, internet shutdowns and communication blackouts, suppression of free expression and protest, and increasing online harms and hate speech, all of which continue to perpetuate the violence, deaths, and humanitarian crisis on the ground.

ARTICLE 19 reiterates our urgent call for an immediate ceasefire by all parties to prevent further loss of civilian lives.

During times of conflict, the internet becomes a lifeline. It is vital for the distribution of aid and the operations of humanitarian organisations. It enables communication for those trapped under the rubble. It is also the primary means by which people can document and share information about the situation on the ground, including unfolding atrocities.

When the internet is shut down, human rights violations can be, and often are, committed with impunity.

On Wednesday, 15 November, telecommunication companies in Gaza warned of an impending blackout because of fuel shortages – just as Israeli forces stepped up ‘targeted operations’ at al-Shifa hospital. Fears for the lives of patients and hospital staff continue to mount. As of 1.30pm on Wednesday, 1,200 patients and staff were trapped. The World Health Organization reported that it had lost contact with its staff working in the hospital.

‘Restricting people’s rights to freedom of expression, their right to voice anger, frustration, and anguish, their right to show solidarity with those suffering and speaking out against violence, undermines the fundamental tenets of a well-functioning democracy. Governments must protect these rights.’

– Sarah Clarke, Director of ARTICLE 19 Europe. 

Israel has so far imposed three internet shutdowns in Gaza, all of which had a devastating impact. Humanitarian organisations lost contact with aid workers, and media houses were unable to reach their reporters, preventing them from reporting from Gaza in real time as Israel’s ground invasion intensified.

The ongoing conflict means it is increasingly difficult for people to access and share information they need, and for those witnessing and experiencing rights violations to share their accounts.

Shutting down communications systems can never be justified under international human rights law. Under international humanitarian law, attacks against any civilian infrastructure must adhere to targeting rules, including the distinction between military and civilian objects, the principle of proportionality and the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks.

International humanitarian law further forbids collective punishment by imposing penalties on people without a clear lawful basis.

Any party to a conflict, regardless of how the conflict was prompted, is obliged to comply with the laws of war. The attacks by Hamas on 7 October do not exempt Israel from its obligations under international humanitarian law, which is rooted in the acknowledgement that armed conflicts exist but that even during these conflicts the harm that can be caused is not without limits.

Read more about protecting rights at a time of war:

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