As per the reports the war between Israel and Hamas reports a death toll in Gaza over 7,000. In the world of the internet where nothing can be hidden, misinformation is spreading with great speed, with the use of technology many things can be changed and even ruined.
The source of main information as well as misinformation is social media. The casualties are not only caused by the bombs and rockets that rain down on the densely populated enclave. They are also fueled by the misinformation and propaganda that spread online, influencing public opinion and inciting violence.
At the time of war mistranslations and misrepresentations of events are done to outright lies and fabrications, the online discourse is rife with deception and manipulation.
Some of the misinformation is spread by the parties involved in the conflict who attempt to justify their actions and gather support from their followers and allies. Here is an example from the recent ongoing war where Hamas has claimed to have shot down several Israeli drones and planes, and to have killed hundreds of Israeli soldiers while Israel has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields and inflating the death toll in Gaza.
Misinformation not just manipulates reality but also attacks people’s perception of reality who came across it. This can also create fear, anger, hatred, and distrust, which can lead to violence, discrimination or radicalization.
In the Israel-Gaza war where the world seems to be in two parts it is not easy to control the flow of information and misinformation from both sides leading to a variety of content availability on the internet to gain emotional and ideological attachment to the world and its people.
The war in Gaza is a tragedy that has caused immense suffering and loss for both Palestinians and Israelis. Misinformation is not only a symptom, but also a cause and a consequence of this conflict. By addressing it, we can not only improve our understanding of the reality, but also contribute to the resolution of the crisis.
