Trump’s AI Gaza video elicits mockery from Middle East social media users The US president’s video depicting a future Gaza under American authority was widely shared on Arabic and Hebrew social media, with many Palestinian users criticizing it. Palestine
In first since regime fall, Syria’s Asma al-Assad breaks silence: What to know In a series of posts on an X account attributed to her, Syria’s former first lady Asma al-Assad wished the Syrian people safety and said she will not intervene in political issues in the future. Syria
After sharing escape plan, Hafez Bashar al-Assad's alleged X account suspended The son of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad posted about his family’s final days in Damascus before the rebel takeover. Syria
Turkey’s proposed ‘foreign agent’ law threatens press freedom, critics say The bill is seen as a major blow to the already weak independent civil society organizations in Turkey. Turkey
Analysis Telegram CEO's arrest spotlights UAE’s investment-based citizenship laws By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
How Egyptians are using an ancient Arabic script to evade censors Egyptian and other Arab social media users have turned to an older version of Arabic script to evade censorship on Facebook and Twitter as they post about the latest conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Egypt
WhatsApp denies privacy update will not apply in Turkey There were reports in Turkish media that Facebook-owned messaging service's controversial privacy update, following a backlash, would not come to Turkey. Turkey
Are Palestinians gaining in court of world opinion? Independent observers have noticed a marked difference in public attitudes around the world and especially in the United States regarding the latest violent escalation in Palestine and Israel, changes connected to timing, messaging and the platforms carrying those messages. Palestine
Sheikh Jarrah activists say Israel pressuring Twitter to block them Twitter and Instagram recently blocked and suspended the accounts of several activists covering the recent events in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, with Palestinians accusing Israel of being behind this campaign. Palestine
TikTok girl's detention brings Egyptian human rights into spotlight The continued detention of Haneen Hossam, a TikTok influencer, on a new charge of "human trafficking" has raised concern among rights advocates, bringing Egypt's human rights under scrutiny once again. Egypt
Arab-Israeli vlogger Nas Daily wins over viewers Arab-Israeli Nas Daily has become one of the most influential internet personalities in the world. Israel
First TV series starring people with disabilities to be released in Egypt During Ramadan, an Egyptian series starring 25 actors with disabilities will be aired on social media, amid efforts to shed light on the marginalization and stigma that Egyptians with a disability face. Culture & Society
IRGC forms group to monitor internet in Iran The IRGC announced the formation of a new group to carry out the plans of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran
Republicans challenge Biden's Pentagon policy nominee on Iran Colin Kahl said he supports the Abraham Accords and continued pressure on Tehran. Saudi Arabia
Twitter removes more Iran-based accounts as part of investigation Twitter began removing the accounts in October when the FBI said the users were seeking to "disrupt the public conversation" surrounding the US presidential elections. Iran
Turkish government's fact-checking app brings concern, ridicule Turkey’s information tsar Fahrettin Altun’s announcement of a “next-generation application” to combat “false facts” raised fears of further control over social media. Turkey
Iran blocks encrypted messaging app Signal Signal has experienced an increase in downloads in the region following competitor WhatsApp's user requirements update. Internet is heavily restricted in Iran. Iran
