AI to Monitor Gaza Classrooms Sparks Controversy

An American aid organization plans to implement an artificial intelligence system to record and analyze classroom conversations in schools it operates in Gaza. The initiative, aimed at identifying and flagging instances of antisemitism or incitement, is spearheaded by Dr. David Hassan, a Palestinian-American neurosurgeon and founder of Gaza Children Village. Hassan, who established schools called Academies of Hope in central and southern Gaza following his volunteer work there, stated his goal is to foster tolerance towards Israelis and Jews among students, citing his own upbringing with negative perceptions.

The organization's curriculum is largely based on the Palestinian Authority's, but Hassan claims to have removed content promoting violence and hostility. However, he did not provide specific examples of these changes to the Associated Press (AP), which first reported on the plan. The issue of problematic content in Palestinian textbooks is a known concern, with a US government report from January 2026 detailing issues found by the UN and UNRWA's struggles to address them.

Hassan intends for the AI system to record teacher-student interactions, analyze them for potentially inciting or antisemitic remarks, and send alerts for further investigation. He stated recordings would be kept for 72 hours and that the technology has been tested for use in dozens of classrooms, though the AP could not verify its operational status. Questions remain about which specific phrases would trigger an alert and who would define the line between legitimate discussion and incitement.

The plan has generated internal dissent, with board member Bishara Bahbah telling the AP he was unaware of the surveillance program and that it was not discussed by the board. He expressed concern that such a system could stifle free expression among teachers and students. Several teachers approached by the AP declined to comment. One organization employee cited fears of Hamas investigation due to the curriculum and discomfort with support from Israeli aid groups. Another aid organization collaborating with Gaza Children Village also voiced concerns about the monitoring potentially jeopardizing their partnership.

Further questions surround the security of the recordings and who might access them. Hassan stated the technology was developed in collaboration with PollyLabs, a New York-based nonprofit, but PollyLabs denied any involvement. Hassan himself declined to answer AP's questions.