US Officials Condemn Iran's Internet Shutdowns While Funding Israel's Blackouts
When Iran restricts its citizens' internet, it's a 'violation of human rights' and 'repression'—rightfully so. Yet, when Israel systematically cuts off communications, power, and water to Gaza's 2.3 million residents during military operations—for example, during 2023-2024 operations—the condemnations from Washington are notably muted, if they exist at all. This isn't just about limiting dissent;
it's about enabling mass casualty events in the dark, shielding atrocities from the world's view. The US government, which routinely issues strongly worded statements against internet throttling in nations it deems adversaries, has concurrently approved billions in military aid to Israel, despite repeated, well-documented communication blackouts that precede and accompany devastating bombardments.
One might wonder if the concern for internet freedom depends on whose bombs are falling. (Apparently, some blackouts are more permissible than others.)