How Israeli Bots Tried to Shape the Gaza Ceasefire Narrative

Disinformation campaigns related to the war on Gaza have increasingly used social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), where both automated bots and human-operated accounts have played significant roles in shaping the Gaza ceasefire narrative.

A significant campaign of organized disinformation is currently being propagated by Israeli accounts on X in the context of the ceasefire deal with Hamas. This situation has led to the hashtag #Hamas trending prominently on the platform.

Disinformation Campaigns and Misleading Content Surrounding Gaza's Ceasefire

Misbar has identified a network of 9 accounts on X that are involved in disseminating false and inflammatory content related to the war. These accounts, which previously focused on war topics, began posting similar misleading content shortly after the ceasefire agreement.

These accounts have been noted for promoting a narrative that downplays the severity of the situation in Gaza, suggesting that the people of Gaza shifted from recognizing genocide to celebrating a ceasefire immediately. This narrative is seen as an attempt to obscure the reality of ongoing war crimes and atrocities reported by various humanitarian organizations.

The accounts have been identified as disseminating similar content across the platform, including images, videos, and posts that misrepresent the situation on the ground. This coordinated effort raises concerns about the authenticity of information being shared and its potential impact on public perception.

Although some of the prominent misleading narratives such as Hamas slaughtering teenagers during a music concert and raping women have been debunked, they are still being promoted. 

The disinformation spread by this network has accumulated dozens of views, with its reach further amplified by verified accounts on X.

The Network of Bot Accounts Amplifying Ceasefire Disinformation

By analyzing the accounts of the network, Misbar found them to be bots that lack personal touches such as profile pictures, bios, or unique usernames. 

Many bots are designed to like tweets or follow users of the network, often based on keywords, hashtags, and user behavior. The bots also exhibit high activity levels, tweeting multiple times in quick succession, and posting repetitive content. Also, a number of  bots are newly created accounts.

Through its investigation of the connections between these accounts, Misbar uncovered evidence in a post from an account inside the network, called “Blue&White.” This post mentioned several accounts that were later identified in the network, and it also revealed significant interactions among them.

The disinformation efforts are not limited to the bots; they also include real individuals who post contradictory messages. Some accounts have shifted from discussing unrelated topics to spreading divisive content about the war on Gaza, indicating a coordinated effort to manipulate public perception.

The campaign’s disinformation relies on emotionally charged content designed to dehumanize opponents and provoke strong reactions from audiences.

In recent years, X (formerly known as Twitter) has implemented measures to label automated accounts and restrict certain bot activities through changes in its API. However, despite these efforts, the presence of sophisticated bot networks persists, often circumventing detection mechanisms.

Despite these efforts, sophisticated bot networks continue to thrive on the platform. Many bots have become adept at mimicking human behavior, making them difficult to detect. These so-called “social bots” can alternate between periods of inactivity and active engagement, which allows them to blend in with genuine users more effectively.

Global Campaign Shaping Perceptions of the War on Gaza

Pro-Israeli bots engage in swarming tactics, where they rapidly flood social media posts made by pro-Palestinian activists with supportive comments about Israel. This creates an overwhelming presence that can drown out genuine voices and sow confusion among users.

The use of fake accounts posing as real individuals has been prevalent. These accounts share misleading information and create fake news websites that publish pro-Israel articles, further amplifying the disinformation campaign.

This campaign is not isolated; it fits into a larger pattern where various state and non-state actors engage in information warfare. Israeli officials have been accused of engaging in disinformation campaigns to cover up actions described as genocidal. Reports indicate that Israel has invested in strategies aimed at controlling narratives, including funding operations designed to dehumanize Palestinians and justify military actions against them.

The Turkish Communications Directorate has highlighted over 100 instances of false news stories related to Israel's military actions in Gaza, emphasizing the need for countermeasures against such disinformation.

The portrayal of events in Gaza by various media outlets has also come under scrutiny. Critics argue that the Western media often adopts a “both-sides” approach, which can dilute accountability for Israeli actions while amplifying narratives that frame Palestinian resistance negatively. This selective framing contributes to a distorted understanding of the war and its humanitarian implications.

The interplay between disinformation and media representation significantly affects public understanding of the Gaza War. The promotion of misleading narratives about genocide and war crimes not only distorts facts but also complicates efforts to address humanitarian crises effectively.

Read More

Video of Celebrations Resurfaces Amid Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Viral Suicide Letter by 'Witness of Hamas Sexual Violence' on October 7 Is Fake