An Outdated Image of Ashkelon Burning Recirculates

Misbar investigated the viral image and found it to be misleading.

The image is outdated and has no relation to the current escalation between Israel and Yemen.

Outdated Image of Fire In Ashkelon Due to Palestinian Rocket Attack

Through a reverse Google image search, Misbar’s team found that the image dates back to May 2021.

The same image could be found published online on the Facebook page of a space technology company specializing in satellite services called Maxar Technologies. As seen in the screenshot of the post, it was uploaded in 2021—three years before the current escalation between the Houthis in Yemen and Israel began.

According to Maxar Technologies, the satellite image shows fire and smoke in southern Israel captured on May 12, 2021, due to a rocket attack from Gaza.

The Resistance Groups In Gaza Hit A Petroleum Facility in Ashkelon

In 2021, a clash erupted between Palestine and Israel after Israeli police raids on the Aqsa Mosque compound. 

On May 12, 2021, the resistance groups in the Strip targeted an oil facility in Ashkelon, which is what the image in question shows. A fire broke out in the facility, which was linked to an oil pipeline linking the Red Sea city of Eilat to Ashkelon. This pipeline transports 600,000 barrels per day.

Several oil facilities in Ashkelon were targeted by the resistance groups in Gaza back then, which caused damage to the economy in Israel that exceeded $160 million.

In the war of 2021, at least 243 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, including more than 100 women and children. However, Israel claimed that it killed at least 225 militants.

Meanwhile, 12 Israelis, including two children, were killed.

Houthis Launch Drone Attack Against Israel’s Ashkelon

The Houthi movement in Yemen announced on October 29 that it launched drones toward an industrial zone in the Israeli industrial city of Ashkelon, in response to Israeli crimes in Gaza and Lebanon.

Accordingly, sirens sounded in Ashkelon after a drone was spotted crossing into Israeli territory. However, the drone fell into an open space in the area.

The Israeli army also said its air defenses intercepted a drone from Lebanon towards Upper Galilee in northern Israel.

The drone launched from Lebanon reportedly landed in an open area in Naharia in northern Israel.

Read More

Fact-Checkers Uncover Pallywood and Gazawood Disinformation Campaigns

Contrary To Israeli Claims, No Bunkers Of Hezbollah Could Be Found Under Al-Sahel Hospital