In 2023, the Human Rights Watch Report called out social media firms like Meta for silencing Palestinan content amid Hamas-Israel conflict. 

Now, the issue has gained prominence as foreign journalists continue to face restrictions in reporting from the besieged Gaza Strip, effectively limiting coverage from international media outlets. Journalists have persistently advocated for expanded access, arguing that on-the-ground reporting is essential for comprehensively understanding the situation.

Meanwhile, on Instagram, users have reported posts being delayed or deleted, citing alleged violations of community guidelines. These incidents have fueled speculation about shadow banning, particularly among users sharing content related to the conflict. 

In a statement to CNBC, Meta finally responded by firmly rejecting the allegations, categorically denying claims of shadow banning as baseless. The company responded by emphasizing its role in content moderation and community safety amidst the information warfare that characterizes online discourse.

Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan has publicly criticized major platforms for allegedly censoring Palestinian-related content about the war, expressing concerns about the "opaque nature" of content moderation policies. 

Other criticisms also raised concerns about the overreliance on automated tools for content removal, particularly in the context of Palestine content moderation. This, in turn, could be the one at fault for shadow-banning legitimate discourse about the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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Besides Meta, Hussein Freijeh, the vice president of MENA for Snapchat, also responded by reiterating the deployment of algorithms and human moderation teams to ensure the safety and integrity of online communities.

This discourse is important because social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook are emerging as primary sources of information for users seeking updates and insights. 

However, concerns persist about disparities in content engagement and visibility, with reports suggesting that posts related to the Gaza conflict receive less traction than other content.

Despite assurances from Meta regarding its commitment to upholding user rights and facilitating open dialogue, concerns persist about the potential suppression of voices advocating for Palestinian rights. 

Meta and other social media firms acknowledge the need for improved transparency and accountability in content moderation practices, pledging to address errors and restore content that may have been removed erroneously.

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