Human Rights Watch Reports GCC Crackdown on Pro-Palestine Migrant Workers

Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a report on Wednesday stating that several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have arrested, deported, or dismissed migrant workers for expressing solidarity with Palestine. The findings indicate a regional trend of heightened surveillance and restriction of public assembly linked to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Targeted Dismissals and Deportations The report documents specific incidents across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. In Bahrain, authorities detained at least 15 individuals, including foreign nationals and a minor, for social media activity or participation in unauthorized protests. In the UAE, an Egyptian national was reportedly deported following a public pro-Palestine chant during a university graduation ceremony. These actions reflect a tightening of internal security protocols regarding political expression. In Saudi Arabia, security forces have increased monitoring at holy sites in Mecca and Medina. HRW cited reports of individuals being detained for wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh or offering specific prayers for Gaza. In Qatar, the report noted instances of migrant workers being interrogated or…