Old videos and fake news about Israel, Gaza and Hamas are all over social media

The images, stories and videos of Israel and Gaza are horrifying, aren’t they? You know what that fuels — a slew of misleading info making the rounds on social media. 

Have you seen that viral video showing an Israeli airstrike? It was being shared left and right on social showing Israel’s retaliation against a sudden attack by Hamas from last Saturday. But here’s the catch: That footage is old news from May, confirmed by Reuters.

Here’s another one. A clip making waves on platforms like X and TikTok showcasing a pair of jets being towed on the ground. The story spun? Some said Israeli Defense Forces were packing up and leaving bases near Gaza. Others? They claimed it was Hamas showing off captured Israeli jets. But plot twist — that video first popped up on YouTube in September.

What’s even more eyebrow-raising? Many “verified” users (yep, those with the blue ticks) shared these misleading videos on X. Remember, they’re pocketing some change every time you click.

Social media is telling

Both sides have been firing up their social media game for some online warfare. Israel’s official accounts, for instance, have been pretty vocal about their stance, even comparing Hamas to the likes of ISIS in a gripping video post.

Heads-up for everyone: Several platforms, including X, have given the boot to accounts linked with Hamas. Their new digital hangout? Telegram. They’ve been raking in followers and dishing out promotional content with real-time updates.

It’s not just misinformation to be careful of

Anytime something major is in the news, out come the scammers. Cyber tricksters have a whole bag of deceitful schemes. Among the most sinister? Fake charities, fraudulent pleas for help and deceptive GoFundMe campaigns. Sadly, some folks exploit tragic events, like the Israel-Hamas conflict, to tug at our heartstrings and wallets. 

Before you tap that donate button, pause and research. Verify the organization or individual’s credibility. Check out platforms like Charity Navigator or BBB Wise Giving Alliance to ensure your goodwill goes to the right place. 

A little diligence goes a long way in a world where deception can lurk behind even the kindest gestures. 

Tips to keep you real 

• Trust, but verify: Stick to reliable news outlets like BBC, CNN and Reuters.
• Timestamps tell tales: Old videos can be passed as new. Check those dates!
• Fact-check: Make Snopes, FactCheck.org and PolitiFact your go-to trio for truth.
• Don’t share blindly: Found it shocking? Validate before you help it go viral.
• Stay calm and question: Dramatic headlines might be clickbait. Dive deeper.
• Help others stay informed: Spot a fib? Report and let the platform know.

Be super careful what you read, click and share online. I just saw a link to a video showing an Israeli soldier’s beheading by Hamas. Yes, it’s real, but I would rather pray for the soldier and his loved ones than watch it.