In a semi-clandestine operation, Israel has reportedly rolled out an extensive facial recognition initiative in the Gaza Strip, forming a clandestine database of Palestinians with neither their awareness nor approval.
The Genesis: The program, activated following the October 7 assaults, taps into technology from Alphabet Inc.’s Google Photos and a proprietary tool produced by the Tel Aviv-based entity Corsight to pinpoint individuals linked with Hamas, as reported by The Verge (via New York Times).
The facial recognition system was crafted concurrently with Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Following the October 7 attacks, personnel within the Israeli military’s Unit 8200, the main intelligence branch of the Israeli Defense Forces, zeroed in on potential targets by evaluating security camera footage and videos shared by Hamas on social platforms, the report detailed.
According to reports, Palestinian detainees were also solicited to identify individuals within their communities affiliated with Hamas.
Claiming the ability to accurately identify individuals even if less than half of their face is visible, Corsight harnessed these images to craft a facial recognition tool for Israeli operatives in Gaza.
In a bid to broaden its database and recognize probable targets, the Israeli military erected checkpoints integrating facial recognition cameras along key escape routes utilized by Palestinians.
According to soldiers interviewed by the Times, Corsight’s technology frequently exhibited unreliability, particularly when scrutinizing poor-quality footage or images featuring obscured faces. Instances arose where the tool incorrectly tagged individuals as Hamas affiliates.
A notable case involved Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha, apprehended at an Israeli military checkpoint on Gaza’s primary highway while en route to Egypt with his family.
The Significance: The introduction of the facial recognition scheme unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the region. Recently, Israel purportedly removed its negotiating team from the Gaza ceasefire discussions, citing an impasse fueled by Hamas’ stipulations.
Meanwhile, the inhabitants of Gaza confront a severe hunger crisis, with airdropped food aid emerging as a crucial nourishment source. As conditions worsen, the global community’s endeavors to deliver relief grow increasingly imperative.
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