Since the outbreak of the war hundreds of civilians, mostly Palestinians, have been arrested in an attempt
to curb freedom of expression and prevent any demonstration of solidarity with the inhabitants of Gaza.
Meanwhile, dozens of international activists who had entered the West Bank were detained and deported by
a special "task force" established by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. In some cases, detainees were photographed by police alongside the Israeli flag, and the photographs were distributed by the police spokesman and unofficial channels. The pictures were an effective deterrent and many chose not to protest.