Award-winning Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda confirmed on Thursday that she regained access to her TikTok account after it was suspended the previous day, according to reports by Al Jazeera. Owda suggested that significant international media visibility and pressure exerted by non-governmental organizations contributed to the platform reversing its decision. Following the restoration, users reportedly must search using her complete username to locate the account.
While reinstated, Owda noted receiving a notification from TikTok indicating that many of her existing video posts are now "ineligible for recommendation." Al Jazeera confirmed on Friday that the account, which has 1.4 million followers, remains active, though no new content from the Gaza-based journalist has appeared since September 2025.
Owda gained significant global recognition by posting daily video diaries from the conflict zone, often beginning with the phrase, “It’s Bisan from Gaza – and I’m still alive.” Her consistent reporting earned her major journalism accolades, including both Emmy and Peabody awards.
Prior to regaining access, Owda had alerted followers to the ban, noting comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing hope for the successful acquisition of the platform, suggesting potential future consequences. This incident occurs amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza, where separate reports indicate that Israeli strikes last week killed three Palestinian journalists.
Data from the Committee to Protect Journalists indicates that at least 207 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, with Israeli forces responsible for the majority of these casualties. This content moderation event also coincided with reports that Israel’s Supreme Court delayed a ruling regarding independent foreign journalist access to the enclave.
In response to inquiries, a TikTok spokesperson told The New Arab that the restriction in September was implemented due to concerns over potential impersonation risk, although the account has since been reinstated after further review. TikTok recently finalized a deal to establish a separate U.S. entity controlled by investment firms, including several linked to former President Donald Trump.
