The logo of the instant messaging service Telegram on a smartphone on January 20, 2022. Telegram, the messaging app, restricted access to channels belonging to Palestinian militant group Hamas, acting to limit the group's influence online after pressure from critics amid the ongoing conflict. The platform blocked access to the official channel of Hamas, hamas_com and al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas, for Android users, CNBC verified Wednesday. When trying to access the channel, a message pops up saying: "Unfortunately, this channel can't be displayed on Telegram apps downloaded from the Google Play Store." Some other Hamas-linked channels, such as Gaza Now, remain accessible on Telegram.

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Persons: hamas_com Organizations: Hamas, Android, CNBC, Google, Tass Locations: Gaza, Russian, Israel