This Image Does Not Depict an Anti-Israel Protest in Kerala
The Claim
A massive protest took place in Kerala, India, against Israel. The demonstrators gathered in large numbers to voice their opposition to Israel's actions, reflecting strong sentiments of solidarity with the Palestinian cause within the region.
Emerging story
Recently, social media users have been circulating an image claiming to show a significant demonstration occurring in Kerala, India, where a large crowd assembled to express their dissent against Israel's actions.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating image and found the claim to be misleading.
Misbar's team found that the image dates back to 2017 capturing a crowd welcoming actor Sunny Leone in Kochi, India.
According to a report by Times Of India from August 17, 2017, titled "Fans go wild as Sunny Leone visits Kochi," the city came to a halt during her visit for the launch of the FONE4 store.
Rising Tensions in Israel Amid Protests for Gaza Ceasefire
Israel is experiencing widespread protests as public pressure intensifies on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition cabinet to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, aimed at securing the return of approximately 90 captives believed to be held there.
A general strike organized by the influential Histadrut union was interrupted after the government sought an injunction against it, labeling the strike as “political.” Despite significant public dissent, Netanyahu's government managed to pass a crucial reform in July that restricts the Supreme Court's ability to overturn government decisions based on “reasonableness.”
Since the onset of the war in Gaza, protests led by the families of those taken on October 7 have significantly impacted Israeli politics, as they consistently campaign to urge the government to act. Many demonstrators suspect that Netanyahu and his cabinet are intentionally delaying a resolution.
Frustration over the ongoing delays escalated on Saturday when Israeli forces in Gaza uncovered the bodies of six captives.
To date, Israel has killed over 40,000 Palestinians and devastated much of Gaza during 11 months of conflict.
In November of the previous year, negotiators managed to establish a temporary ceasefire lasting seven days, which brought hope to many families currently protesting.
During that ceasefire, Hamas released 105 Israeli captives in exchange for 210 Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and children, held by Israeli forces. The number of protesters is substantial, and while demonstrators are fervent about their cause, Netanyahu's supporters are equally passionate.
Netanyahu has attempted to emphasize his commitment that Hamas, which seemingly acknowledged the killing of the six captives, would face a “heavy price,” rather than respond to claims of delaying a resolution.
UNICEF Reports Success in Polio Vaccination Campaign Amid Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
The United Nations children's agency has announced that a polio vaccination campaign aimed at immunizing over 640,000 children in Gaza is exceeding expectations at the conclusion of its first phase.
Describing the initiative as a “rare bright spot” during nearly 11 months of conflict, UNICEF reported that 189,000 children have been reached thus far, with more than 500 teams deployed across central Gaza this week.
The agency noted that Israel and Hamas allowed limited pauses in fighting to facilitate the campaign, and U.N. agencies are now looking to extend efforts into the more severely affected northern and southern regions of the territory for the next two phases.
The campaign was initiated following Gaza's first reported polio case in 25 years, involving a 10-month-old boy who is now paralyzed in one leg.
Health experts have raised alarms about potential disease outbreaks in the area, where most residents have been displaced multiple times and face widespread hunger.
Hundreds of thousands are living in overcrowded and unsanitary tent camps with minimal public services. Vaccinations are being carried out even as fighting persists in Gaza, with the Hamas-controlled health ministry reporting 42 deaths in the past 24 hours and a total of 40,861 fatalities since the war began.
The head of the U.N.’s primary agency for Palestinian refugees stated on Wednesday, “Great progress! Every day in the Middle Areas of #Gaza, more children are getting vaccines against #Polio.”
He added, “While these polio ‘pauses’ are providing some relief, what is urgently needed is a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the regular flow of humanitarian supplies, including medical and hygiene products, into Gaza.”
Despite the success of the polio campaign, diplomatic efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire, secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, and facilitate the return of many Palestinians imprisoned by Israel have stalled.
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