The issue brief examines the intensified digital repression during the recent "12-day war" between Israel and Iran, exploring how the Islamic Republic of Iran exploits cyber threats to justify internet blackouts and digital censorship. The article explores the development of the "Halal Internet," authoritarian partnerships, and online disinformation campaigns to dispel dissent. The article also underscores how international involvement and funding is needed to help promote digital freedom in Iran.

Gaza has suffered an intense humanitarian crisis. Forced displacement orders by Israel require people to flee to already overcrowded and often unsafe areas, overwhelming already strained resources like food, water, and medical care. The price to escape through the Rafah border is expensive for Palestinians who are displaced from their homes, so they turn to TikTok to seek help from the international community. As Palestinians face a severe absence of basic human needs and no safe measure of escape. On October 15, 2024, Israel blocked nearly all food aid from entering northern Gaza leaving some 400,000 Palestinians to either starve or move to the south where there is no guarantee of shelters for the displaced. As children make up almost half of Gaza’s population, they are the main targets of this catastrophe. Despite this dangerous environment, Palestinians remain resilient as seen in their unique dedication to education. 

Although women represent half of the world’s population, gender inequality runs rampant. Gender inequality dismisses human development, while women’s empowerment has spurred productivity and economic growth. In October 2024, governments released statements centered around government interference in women’s autonomy in Afghanistan, Turkey, and Pakistan. News about the government and women’s autonomy in these countries has highlighted cases of gender inequality. Social media has become a major tool in spreading news of the government's mistreatment of women to an international audience. At the same time, each country has a separate response to address its violation of human rights. As the UN Secretary-General has called gender inequality the “unfinished business of our time,” governments must address the violence that has hindered women’s success to maintain legitimacy.