A video unrelated to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become a source of controversy. Surprisingly, Indonesian netizens who didn’t understand the video’s intent were provoked and spread inaccurate information. They claimed that Israel deliberately staged a murder scene and distributed it worldwide.
“Zionist Israel prepared a video to promote public imagery to be released internationally. To give the impression that Hamas fighters are child killers. It reminds me of the imagery of Si Plongo,” wrote the Facebook account Munawari Nawari a few days ago.
The account showed a 3-second clip. A large camera tripod, typically used for television filming, was visible. Several men in military uniforms and a child lying down appeared, seemingly setting a stage.
The video circulated amidst the escalating conflict in Gaza. However, it seems odd that the image, reminiscent of a film production, is part of the recent escalating conflict. Furthermore, it was distributed without clear sources or information.
Based on research, the video clip appeared long before the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in early October. The video was uploaded by the TikTok account @Mohamad Awawdeh. The behind-the-scenes video was posted by the account on April 21, 2022.
Clearly, it has no connection to recent events. Moreover, it is claimed that the video was staged by Israel as propaganda, making it appear as if Hamas was killing Israeli children. “Behind the scenes of the making of a short film about the story of child prisoner Ahmed Manasra,” reads the caption (s.id/FilmPendek2022).
Reuters, through its fact-checking section, reviewed the video, which has been running since April 27, 2022. The caption reads, “Fact Check – Video of alleged fake murder of Palestinian taken from short film.” Reuters said this shows the making of a short film titled “Empty Place,” directed by Awni Eshtaiwe.
The film is based on the events that led to the imprisonment of Palestinian Ahmed Manasra. “Empty Place” director Awni Eshtaiwe told Reuters that the footage circulating online was taken during the filming of her short film.
In October 2015, a video circulated widely showing Ahmed Manasra, a then-13-year-old Palestinian boy from Beit Hanina in northern Jerusalem, with his legs twisted behind him and blood pouring from his head after being hit by a car.
The video was taken minutes after two Israelis were stabbed outside a nearby shop. Israeli police accused Manasra and his 15-year-old cousin, who was shot dead, of carrying out the attack. The family denied any wrongdoing (s.id/FaktaVideo).
Facts
The footage was from a short film titled Empty Place, which was produced to tell a true story that occurred in 2015.
