Take a Virtual Tour in W Bank & Gaza, Experience Struggles & Resilience of Palestinians

By Staff, Agencies

A new application which offers a glimpse into the reality of life in Palestine has been released.

Through the Palestine VR application, users will hear directly from the people living in Occupied Palestine, as you embark on tours of six different regions, including: al-Quds [Jerusalem], al-Khalil [Hebron], Gaza City, Bethlehem, Ramallah and Khan al-Ahmar.

People can experience for themselves not only the daily struggles – but also resilience – of the people in Palestine.

The application, launched on October 30, is provided by an NGO called the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy.

An iPhone- and Samsung-ready app has been released on Wednesday that delivers a 360-degree digital walkabout of the Palestinian territories based on the aborted itinerary of Reps. Rashida Tlaib [D-Mich.] and Ilhan Omar [D-Minn.].

Highlights of the new app include a tour of the ancient city of al-Khalil; a walk through Ramallah with 13-year-old journalist Jana Jihad; and a visit to al-Quds’ Qubbat al-Sakhrah [Dome of the Rock] in the company of Palestinian anthropologist Ali Qleibo.

When watched on a phone, the viewer can manipulate the scene by tilting the device, panning right and left, up and down at will. On a computer, the mouse allows the same control, and a pair of virtual-reality goggles will render it all as an immersive setting. There is no charge to download the app.

“Those who visit Palestine and are exposed to the reality of oppression, discrimination and displacement are always moved by what they see,” said Salem Barahmeh, the executive director of the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy. “With Palestine VR, we want to bring this reality to people directly all over the world.”

The “Israeli” regime has a habit of censoring news in the occupied territories, so it is critically important that people see the reality with their own eyes.

Accordingly, with the help of this app, people can get the second-best thing. “Israeli” occupation will be exposed, as this tool will encourage more people to learn about the reality on the ground in Palestine.