Navigating the Social Media Battlefield: Disinformation and the Israel-Hamas Conflict

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is being exacerbated by a surge of online disinformation, with fake or misleading posts spreading rapidly and deepening enmity in the region and beyond. Both sides are attempting to shape the narrative and cast doubt on the other's actions. Regulators and analysts warn that the proliferation of disinformation can have real-world consequences, fueling tensions and leading to acts of violence. Social media platforms have been called out for not doing enough to curb disinformation, and efforts are being made to remove content that incites violence. The scale and sophistication of the disinformation campaigns, particularly by pro-Hamas accounts, are concerning.