22/10/2026
Drawing on a new publication by Amanie Issa and Professor Christo El Morr (York University Canada), alongside ongoing doctoral research, this presentation asks a question: what happens when the bodies and lives of an entire population are transformed into data points? Focusing on the use of artificial intelligence in Israel’s military operations in Palestine, most notably the Lavender targeting system, this presentation will discuss how algorithmic technologies can become tools of techno-colonial violence, contributing to mass disablement of Palestinians while weaponizing the notion of “tolerable error”.
The presentation situates these technologies within longer histories of settler colonialism, racial capitalism, militarism, and ableism, tracing the use of disablement as a mechanism of violence and control since the establishment of the Israeli settler-colonial state. It also draws briefly on archival material, including statements from early Zionist figures and leaders, to examine how ideas about Palestinian bodies, disability and violence have been articulated historically. It will also consider how similar technological practices are emerging across other settler-colonial contexts and conflict zones, raising urgent questions about the expanding role of AI, and the gaps that remain within the human rights and disability fields.
"This event is organized as part of the Cluster on Palestine and International Law" .
When: Wednesday November 25th
Time: 13.00 – 14.00
Where: ICHR Seminar Room
