Gaza

Gaza is a narrow, densely populated coastal strip along the Mediterranean Sea, part of the Palestinian territories. With a population of over 2 million, Gaza is marked by its complex history, political tensions, and recurring conflicts. Since 2007, it has been governed by Hamas, an Islamist political organization that seized control after a brief civil war with Fatah, the political faction that leads the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Gaza’s political landscape has led to strained relations with Israel, resulting in frequent military confrontations, blockades, and a challenging humanitarian situation.

Life in Gaza is characterized by economic hardships, high unemployment rates, and limited access to essential services like healthcare, electricity, and clean water. The region’s infrastructure has suffered significant damage due to repeated military offensives, especially during major conflicts such as Operation Cast Lead (2008-09), Operation Protective Edge (2014), and recent escalations in 2021 and 2023. Despite international efforts to mediate peace, tensions between Gaza-based militants and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) often result in violence, affecting civilians on both sides. The ongoing blockade by Israel and Egypt, imposed in response to security concerns, has further contributed to the deteriorating living conditions.

Gaza frequently becomes a focal point of global news coverage, often generating strong international reactions and social media discussions. The region’s conflicts are accompanied by the rapid spread of misinformation, which can escalate tensions and shape public opinion worldwide. Misleading narratives, including doctored images, AI-generated visuals, and false claims, frequently emerge during heightened conflicts.

In October 2023, BOOM fact-checked a viral image depicting a father holding two children amid devastation, purportedly from Gaza.

BOOM’s investigation found that the image was actually AI-generated, debunking claims of it being a real photograph from Gaza.