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On October 21, 2023, the Palestinian Alray website reported that the WhatsApp instant messaging service had removed the phone number of Salamah Ma’rouf, head of the Hamas-controlled Government Press Office in Gaza,[1] from its application.
Ma’rouf responded to this step with the claim that WhatsApp is part of “the fight against the Palestinian content and the efforts to prevent the Palestinian narrative from reaching” public opinion. He added that it is an indication of the scope and coordination that pertain between those who manage social media and “the occupation,” and also of “the removal of every voice that defends the rights of our people.” He also stated that the move would only increase his determination to fulfill his role, “and to fight the occupation in the media arena by refuting and exposing its lies.”
The Palestinian Alray website noted that Ma’rouf could be contacted on WhatsApp, listing his new number.
[1] October 21, 2023.
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