Saudi Arabia arrests several social media users for anti-Israel posts: reports

Saudi Arabia has intensified its crackdown on social media posts related to Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, owing to the restrictions on political expression within the kingdom, as reported by Bloomberg.

The Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has killed 34,568 civilians, with more than 10,000 still under the rubble, has triggered widespread outrage in the Gulf region and elsewhere.

Pro-Palestinian activists have taken to the streets, demanding an immediate halt to the atrocities in the enclave.

According to Bloomberg's report, diplomats and human rights organisations have explained that the recent crackdown by Riyadh on individuals sharing their views on the Gaza situation stems from the fear that it could pose a risk to its “national security”. 

Authorities are also targeting posts dating back a decade, leading to multiple arrests.

The recent crackdown has also ensnared prominent figures, including an executive associated with Vision 2030, an ambitious economic project led by Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. 

The individual allegedly made "incendiary" remarks regarding the Gaza situation, according to sources quoted by Bloomberg.

In another notable arrest, a well-known media figure was detained for calling for a boycott of US-based fast food chains and insisting on Israel being held accountable for its actions in Gaza.

"The memories of the Arab Spring more than a decade ago remain vivid among regional leaders, who are determined to prevent a recurrence," the report observed. 

Not only Riyadh but also Egypt and Jordan have launched a crackdown on pro-Palestine protests, amid concerns that such demonstrations could spark movements against their governments.

The report, however, did not provide an official number of arrests made by Saudi Arabia thus far.

During a recent visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Saudi Arabia, discussions were held regarding the finalisation of a security pact, which may involve Israel following its normalisation of diplomatic relations with Riyadh. 

Nonetheless, Prince Salman has stipulated that normalisation with Israel is contingent upon de-escalating the conflict in Gaza and ensuring Palestinian statehood.