Israel’s YouTube ad seeks support against Hamas, critics say it is propaganda

Most of the Western media is seen to have taken sides with Israel in the recent escalation of violence, portraying Hamas as the one that triggered the latest conflict, bravely hiding the atrocities from Israel that have fallen upon the people of Palestine over the years.

Apart from the Western media that helps Israel garner support for the justification of attacks and the killing of Palestinian people, Israel itself has released a YouTube video narrating itself as the victim of the terrorism of Hamas.

Israel’s YouTube ad titled "Hamas Declared War Against Israel”, published by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, features a straightforward voiceover and English text, appealing for solidarity against what it terms "barbaric terrorists."

Social media is ablaze with debates over the ad, with some branding it as propaganda, while others assert Israel's right to self-defence.

Critics argue that the ad, approved by YouTube, potentially violates the platform's policies on hate speech and violence. One user questioned its existence, asking, "How is it not getting banned?" Amidst the online uproar, an account claimed that Israel initiated a "bizarre propaganda campaign" to justify its actions in the wake of a recent offensive.

"In reality, this is an emergency damage-control campaign aimed at justifying Israeli violence in the eyes of the Western public, whose countries Israel is highly dependent on. Public outrage could force local decision-makers into positions that could seriously harm the country and tip the balance of control in the region," he wrote.

The conflict erupted when Hamas launched a major strike from the Gaza Strip, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare war and mobilize 300,000 army reservists.

The toll has been devastating, with over 1,000 casualties, including foreign nationals, hundreds held hostage, and many thousands displaced