West Bank Palestinians are expressing exhaustion and frustration over the continuous Israeli surveillance that permeates their daily lives. In the city of Hebron, residents complain that facial recognition technology and rotating cameras constantly monitor their activities. This intensified surveillance has been particularly challenging during the recent Gaza war, leaving Palestinians feeling stifled.
Residents like Umm Nasser have attempted to maintain their privacy by covering the cameras with fabric or wood, but the Israeli army constantly removes these coverings. They have even gone as far as taking identity cards for potential use in facial recognition systems. Israeli forces use a range of advanced tools, including artificial intelligence-based technology, throughout the occupied territories of Palestine.
One such tool is the Blue Wolf app, which allows soldiers to take pictures of Palestinians and compare them to a database. The app indicates whether the person photographed is wanted for arrest. Another system, Red Wolf, has been deployed at Israeli checkpoints in Hebron since at least 2022, leading to feelings of humiliation and further eroding the dignity of Palestinians.
The use of automated surveillance technology, often based on artificial intelligence, aims to reduce interaction between soldiers and Palestinians. These tools contribute to the dehumanization of Palestinians and create anxiety and fear among the population. Palestinians’ behaviors and movements are constantly scrutinized, leading to a sense of constant surveillance and control.
Facial recognition technology is not only used in Hebron but also in occupied East Jerusalem, where it is regularly employed during demonstrations. There have been reports of the data collected by soldiers containing information from past arrests, even those for which individuals have been cleared by the courts. Palestinians in East Jerusalem are also subjected to the constant scrutiny of their movements and behavior due to the use of this technology.
The recent Gaza war has raised concerns about the use of facial recognition technology in the besieged territory as well. Videos from Gaza have shown gates equipped with surveillance tech that people fleeing the conflict must pass through. Smart cameras have also been installed at Gaza City’s Al-Shifa hospital during Israeli raids.
Overall, the omnipresent Israeli surveillance has left West Bank Palestinians feeling exhausted and restricted. It creates a constant atmosphere of monitoring and control, reducing their sense of privacy and freedom. The use of advanced tools, including facial recognition technology, further adds to the dehumanization of Palestinians. As tensions continue to simmer, the impact of this surveillance on the lives of Palestinians remains a subject of concern and debate.
