This Video Does Not Depict a Fire at the Merkava Tank Factory in Israel
The Claim
Explosions and a huge fire at the famous impenetrable tank factory Merkava in Israel.
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Emerging story
A viral video circulating on social media claims to show explosions and a massive fire at the highly secure Merkava tank factory. The footage depicts billowing smoke and flames emerging from the facility.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the claim and found it to be misleading.
Misbar's team found that the video dates back to May 2021, depicting a rocket hitting the city of Ashdod.
Gaza Rockets Hit the City of Ashdod in 2021
In May 2021, an Israeli airstrike targeted a three-story building in Gaza City, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight children and two women from an extended family, as reported by residents. This marked the deadliest single strike since the aggression began at that time. While the Israeli military did not immediately comment on the airstrike, they later stated it targeted "a number of Hamas terror organization senior officials, in an apartment used as terror infrastructure in the area of the Al-Shati refugee camp."
In response to the Israeli attack, Palestinian resistance launched a heavy barrage of rockets toward central Israel, triggering alarms in Tel Aviv and other cities. The air defenses intercepted incoming fire, causing a fire outbreak in a facility in the city of Ashdod.
Surge in Internal Displacement in Rafah Amid Ongoing Gaza War
As per the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), a notable rise has occurred recently, with more than 100,000 internally displaced individuals seeking safety in Rafah, situated in the southernmost part of Gaza. This surge in displacement is a consequence of increased fights in Khan Younis and Deir Al Balah, along with evacuation orders from the Israeli army.
Rafah, which was already acknowledged as the most densely populated region in Gaza, is now grappling with additional strain on its limited resources. With a population density surpassing 12,000 individuals per square kilometer, the city faces immense challenges in accommodating and meeting the basic needs of the newly arrived displaced population.
According to the OCHA, among the approximately 180,000 people residing in shelters, there has been a worrying uptick in upper respiratory infections. Moreover, concerning figures show 136,400 cases of diarrhea, with half of these affecting children under five years old. Additionally, there are 55,400 cases of lice and scabies, and 42,700 cases of skin rash, exacerbating the already critical situation. Instances of jaundice and meningitis outbreaks have also been reported.
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