OFFSTONE JUNE EDITION 2025

50 The Surge of Disinformation After the conflict began, social media platforms were flooded with deceptive content. According to Al-Jazeera in 2023, A particularly notable instance involved a video that falsely depicted Hamas fighters killing Israeli citizens, which circulated extensively on X (formerly Twitter), garnering millions of views before being proven false by fact-checkers. These occurrences demonstrate how rapidly misinformation can spread, influencing public opinion and escalating tensions. Moreover, the so-called “Hamas baby beheading” story, initially reported by Israeli soldiers and echoed by international media, was later refuted. Despite the lack of evidence, the narrative persisted, demonstrating the enduring impact of initial misinformation. This incident highlights the difficulties encountered in the information environment during conflicts, where narratives may be manipulated to sway public opinion and rationalise military actions. Using social media as a strategic communication tool complicates the conflict further and presents additional challenges. These dynamics emphasise social media's pivotal role in forming these narratives and the need to examine information sources carefully. Swiftly spreading unverified claims across social media channels can result in serious consequences. Algorithmic Amplification and Platform Accountability Social media algorithms, designed to maximise user engagement, often prioritise sensational content, inadvertently promoting disinformation. Platforms like X have faced criticism for amplifying false narratives during the Gaza conflict. According to the Associated Press in 2023, the platform’s verification system, which allows users to pay for a blue checkmark, has further complicated the landscape, lending credibility to accounts that disseminate misleading information. Additionally, using AI-operated accounts to promote specific narratives has raised ethical concerns. Investigations revealed that an Israeli company, STOIC, employed artificial intelligence to create fake accounts that disseminated pro-Israel propaganda, particularly targeting Arab audiences. Ethical Implications and the Role of Users The ethical dilemmas arising from the digital spread of information during the Gaza War go beyond platforms and involve individual users. The simplicity of sharing unverified content fuels misinformation. As users, we are morally obliged to evaluate online information critically, particularly in conflicts where lives hang in the balance. Moreover, the suppression of narratives, such as the removal of pro-Palestinian content on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, raises questions about censorship and the equitable treatment of voices in digital spaces.