Saudi Arabian citizens have faced increasing arrests for criticising Israel on social media in recent months as a result of its ongoing military onslaught against Gaza.

According to Bloomberg, one detainee was an executive involved in Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s economic development initiatives including the kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Another reportedly urged Saudi citizens to boycott American brands operating in the Gulf kingdom as well as a media figure who said Israel should never be forgiven.

This crackdown coincides with ongoing efforts by the United States to facilitate the normalisation of ties between Riyadh and Israel.