Al-Eizariya:The Palestinian Prisoner's Society (PPS) reports that Israeli authorities are broadening the application of "incitement" from a specific allegation in arrest cases to a wider mechanism for control and surveillance. This expansion targets individuals and institutions, particularly those involved with issues such as prisoners, martyrs, national symbols, and collective memory.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the PPS highlighted the arrest of a school principal in Al-Eizariya as a significant example. A video released after the arrest showed posters and curricula within the school, which the authorities labeled as "incitement" and "terrorist education." This marks an increasing trend of targeting educational environments, criminalizing the presence of Palestinian causes in schools through materials and symbols.
The PPS warns that the danger lies in the expanded definition of "incitement," which blurs the lines of permissible expression for Palestinians, creating a climate of surveillance and fear. This affects not only the detainees but also the broader social fabric, leading individuals and institutions to self-censor.
The report notes a significant increase in arrests based on "incitement" allegations since the onset of what is described as genocide. These arrests encompass a wide range of people, including ordinary citizens, former prisoners, and children, often for social media posts or stances on current events. Such campaigns are accompanied by threats of arrest for any expression deemed as "incitement," widening the scope of fear and surveillance.
The PPS further notes that this strategy extends beyond individuals to cultural and educational institutions, which are targeted for their role in preserving Palestinian consciousness. An instance cited is the demolition of a memorial at Birzeit University, seen as part of broader efforts to undermine Palestinian memory and national symbols.
The organization stresses that the use of "incitement" is part of a larger system involving persecution, threats, and sanctions that maintains constant surveillance over Palestinian society. This approach dictates what Palestinians can say, teach, and remember, shaping national consciousness, especially among youth.
In conclusion, the PPS emphasizes that addressing this issue requires challenging the entire system of surveillance and criminalization imposed on Palestinians, rather than just opposing arrests. They call for resistance against the treatment of national consciousness and memory as punishable acts.