Viral Image of a Killed Journalist in Gaza is AI-Generated
The Claim
A photo shows a journalist from Gaza after being shot by Israeli occupation forces.
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An image was recently widely shared on social media, allegedly showing a journalist from Gaza after being shot by Israeli occupation forces.
The image was circulated in five languages, including Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Spanish, and English. It was shared following the shooting of Palestinian journalist Fadi Alwhidi by an Israeli sniper in Jabalia, northern Gaza.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral image and found it to be fake.
Misbar’s team analyzed the image and found it AI-generated.
AI-Generated Image Shows Killed Journalist in Gaza
Despite its viral spread on social media, the image is not real. Misbar's investigation uncovered several clues indicating that the image was AI-generated.
Upon closer analysis, Misbar found several inconsistencies in the image.
The word "PRESS" on the press vest worn by the body appears distorted, and there is a noticeable discrepancy in the fingers.
In addition, Misbar's team used AI detection tools, such as the Hive Moderation website, to analyze the image and uncover its authenticity. The analysis revealed a 99.2% probability that the image was AI-generated.
Israeli Quadcopters Shot Al Jazeera Photographer in the Neck on Live TV
On October 9, Al Jazeera cameraman Fadi Alwahidi was critically injured after being shot in the neck by an Israeli quadcopter drone in northern Gaza.
The harrowing aftermath was broadcast live on Al Jazeera as his colleagues desperately called out to him and managed to transport him to a hospital for urgent care.
Fadi was wearing a press vest that clearly identified him as a journalist. He had been professionally covering events in the embattled Jabalia area of northern Gaza when he was shot.
A day later, Al Jazeera reporter Anas Al-Sharif reported that although Fadi survived, he has been left permanently paralyzed, with extensive damage to his arteries, veins, and shattered bones.
Journalists in Gaza are now raising urgent appeals to save Fadi’s life as his health continues to deteriorate. They are calling on human rights organizations, press associations, and international bodies to assist in facilitating his immediate transfer out of Gaza for life-saving treatment.
Israel Killed 176 Gazan Journalists Since October 7
On October 9, the Gaza Government Media Office reported that the number of journalists killed since the start of the aggressive war on the Gaza Strip has risen to 176, including both male and female journalists.
The Media Office strongly condemned the targeting, killing, and assassination of Palestinian journalists by the Israeli occupation, holding Israel fully responsible for these heinous crimes.
The office urged the global community to prosecute Israel in international courts for its ongoing crimes and to apply pressure to halt the genocide and the targeted killing of Palestinian journalists.
On August 15, Anadolu Agency, citing Tim Dawson, deputy general secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), reported that over 12% of Gazan journalists had been killed.
Under international law, including the Geneva Conventions, deliberately attacking journalists constitutes a war crime. Palestinian journalists in Gaza working in conflict zones have worn blue vests with the word "PRESS" prominently displayed in large white letters.
However, since October 7, Israel's repeated targeting of journalists has cast doubt on this long-held assumption, leaving Palestinians to question whether identifying as media personnel may actually increase their risk.
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