Can confirm. I uninstalled the app and then reinstalled from F-Droid to see if that would allow me to access the Hamas channel. Now I can't log in lol. It says that it's trying to send a code to my Telegram account, but I don't know how to log in. Seems like problem might be that I didn't log out of Telegram before uninstalling. Others have reported the problem on Reddit and Quora, but there aren't any solutions beyond contacting Telegram support. Oh well.

Update: I reinstalled Telegram from the Google Play store and was able to log in again. After I did, I noticed a message from Telegram explaining that I could download the .APK file directly from the Telegram website to avoid restrictions. I was able install and log in that way, but I still had to get the login code from the Google Play version. Anyway, I can now access the Hamas Online channel again from the APK version.

[–] Templa@beehaw.org 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What is posted on this channel if you don't mind me asking?

[–] CrimeDad@lemmy.crimedad.work 2 points 1 year ago

It's mostly official statements and announcements from Hamas including the Al-Quassam brigades. The recent hostage releases were announced here before I heard it in the news, which is mainly why I'm following. There are also some videos of Israeli abuses, and occasionally an anti-Netanyahu meme.

[–] Omega_Haxors@lemmy.ml 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I wish google a very break the fuck up

[–] fej@feddit.de 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

So how bad must a terrorist organization be to justify de-platforming them? It seems to be pretty hard to do.

[–] Omega_Haxors@lemmy.ml -3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Oh hello feddit de, it's been awhile since i've gotten a weird comment from you. Germany never underwent denazification.

[–] fej@feddit.de 3 points 1 year ago

Do you do actual arguments or do you just do ad hominem if someone calls you out?

[–] UnhingedStopa@sopuli.xyz 8 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I mean the ban only works with play store versions of the app, so IMO it's not such a big deal. Feel free to correct me if it is.

[–] ReversalHatchery@beehaw.org 14 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I think it still is a big deal that google is censoring so deeply what you should and shouldn't see

[–] blkpws@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I think, the biggest issue is that Hamas channel was also giving info to Palestinians for important stuff that could save some Palestinians their lifes. That's what Telegram owner said about why not blocking it.

"Telegram has taken an opposite approach. Durov even went as far as making the ridiculous claim that Hamas should be allowed to continue to post on Telegram as it uses the platform to warn Israelis ahead of attacks." - https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjpbqgkba

[–] Arrakis@lemmy.world 8 points 1 year ago

A significant number of people won't know how to (or even that they can) do that, so it's restricting availability to only those who have the requisite knowledge. Even if there's a workaround, it's still essentially censorship for the un-tech savvy.