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Apple has received questions and complaints online after some users noticed that the latest iOS update suggested a Palestinian flag emoji when they typed in “Jerusalem.”
British author and TV presenter Rachel Riley called this a “double standard” and “a form of anti-Semitism”. Post to X We asked Apple CEO Tim Cook to explain the update. Riley, who describes herself as a Jewish woman, said that when she typed in another city, no flag was suggested, “much less the wrong flag.”
Jerusalem’s nationality has been disputed throughout the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which dates back to pre-biblical times, but today marks six months since the beginning of the modern escalation in the Gaza war.
USA TODAY has confirmed that updated software will cause the Palestinian flag to appear on an English (British) keyboard when you type “Jerusalem” in a messaging app. However, this suggestion does not appear on English (US) keyboards.
Apple said the predictive behavior of emojis was unintentional and will be fixed in the next iOS update.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas is described as follows:Updated maps and graphics show the latest status of the Hamas-Israel conflict as war begins in Gaza
Israeli authorities claim Jerusalem as capital
In 1917, British politicians wrote what became known as the Balfour Declaration, expressing the government’s support for “the establishment of a national homeland for the Jewish people in Palestine.”
After that, Jewish immigration to the area increased rapidly to escape persecution during World War II, but many Palestinians were forced to flee in the process.
Jerusalem is one of the disputed areas under this agreement. In 1948 after the Arab-Israeli War, the city was split into two, with Israel controlling the western part of the city and Jordan controlling the eastern part. But in 1967 Israel occupied the entire city.
Most countries do not recognize Jerusalem as belonging to Israelis or Palestinians, but Israel claims it as its capital. In a controversial move, former President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017.
War in Gaza sparks controversy around the world
Controversy surrounding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has intensified since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a brutal attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people.
In the six months since that day, 30,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza. Access to the area is also difficult, with many civilians forced to flee and facing starvation.
People took to the streets to protest demanding the release of Israeli hostages and calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Those who speak out in support of both Israelis and Palestinians on social media are receiving threats, undermining the efforts of other content creators to combat anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim sentiment.
The issue is also gaining prominence in domestic politics, as some donors and voters are withholding support from President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign over his handling of the conflict.
Contributors: Stephen J. Beard, Ramon Padilla, Jennifer Borresen, Carlie Procell, Sara Chernikoff, Javier Zarracina, Shawn J. Sullivan, George Petras, Janet Loehrke, Kim Hjelmgaard, Jessica Ginn, Bailey Schultz
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