Iran, Russia, and China have been reportedly utilizing both state media and social media platforms to diminish the standing of Israel and the United States while offering support to Hamas, as outlined in a recent media report.
Officials and researchers who contributed to The New York Times report have indicated that disinformation and online propaganda have surged to unparalleled levels.
These efforts are mainly attributed to networks of automated bots and fraudulent social media accounts. The report from The New York Times also underscores the intentions of Russia and China to destabilize not only the United States but also Israel.
“In a single day after the conflict began, roughly one in four accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X posting about the conflict appeared to be fake,” the report said.
“In the 24 hours after the blast at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, more than one in three accounts posting about it on X were [fake”," it said, Times of Israel reported.
According to US officials and experts cited in the report, the various online campaigns spreading disinformation about Israel may not appear to be coordinated, but they are all working in concert to "amplify one another and expand the global reach of their views across multiple platforms in multiple languages."
The "axis" comprising Iran, Russia, and China shares a common opposition to US involvement in both the Ukraine-Russia war and the Middle East, as highlighted in the report.
Moreover, the report from the Times of Israel notes that Hamas has adopted a comprehensive and sophisticated media strategy, taking inspiration from groups like the Islamic State. This approach was put into action from the very outset of its deadly attack on October 7.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | IDF Divides Gaza and Enclave Capture Appears Imminent
