Palestinian Teacher Arrested Over TikTok Video

Entisar Hijaze, an Arab Israeli educator, was arrested for posting a TikTok video of herself dancing on October 7, 2023, coinciding with the timing of the Hamas attacks. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ordered her arrest, accusing her of incitement and supporting terrorism, despite her claims that the video was a part of a dance trend and unrelated to the attacks. Hijaze reported being mistreated during her arrest, including being blindfolded and cuffed, prompting accusations of racism and inhumane treatment by police. Following public outrage and backlash against the police's actions, she was released under restrictive conditions. The video was initially uploaded before the attacks and was intended as a nostalgic memory, which has been supported by various journalists highlighting its context. Activists have condemned her arrest as a violation of freedom of expression and a reflection of systemic discrimination against Palestinians in Israel.