Eastern Jerusalem Man Arrested for Inciting Terrorism and Praising Hamas on Social Media

Jerusalem, 26 March, 2024 (TPS) -- Israeli authorities arrested a Palestinian resident of eastern Jerusalem for posting inflammatory content and expressing support for Hamas on social media platforms, the Israeli Police said on Tuesday.

The suspect, a 20-year-old man, also openly celebrated and endorsed Hamas violence. Police said the suspect continued making provocative comments during questioning, unabashedly stating, “I am happy that Hamas started the war… I was disappointed and happy that Hamas was killing Jews, that’s why I published the things.”

According to the police, the suspect disseminated a significant volume of videos and messages endorsing terrorism via social media channels. Among his posts was a video featuring a terrorist brandishing a weapon and attacking soldiers, accompanied by incendiary lyrics.

Police have boosted their monitoring of Arab social media networks for incitement and fake news during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Terror attacks have surged during Ramadan. Hamas has called for violence on the Temple Mount and spread rumors online that Israel intends to block the entrance to the holy site or place restrictions on worshippers.

Online incitement targeting Palestinian teens has also been traced back to the Palestinian Authority and local Palestinian clergy.

Israeli security forces have arrested more than 3,600 Palestinian terror suspects in Judea and Samaria since October 7, of whom around 1,600 are affiliated with Hamas.