The reality behind Israel’s propaganda ads on gaza

An investigation into Israel’s propaganda ads on Gaza reveals a stark contrast to the actual humanitarian crisis on the ground, where aid distribution has become a deadly trap for many.

It doesn’t take an expert to realize that something doesn’t add up. For the past few days, sponsored ads on YouTube have shown images of smiling children from Gaza, civilians making heart gestures with their hands, and trucks loaded with aid. The message is clear: Israel is bringing food to Gaza every day, “without intermediaries, without costs, in line with international law.” Yet, those who actually live in Gaza or work to deliver aid there report a completely different story.

An insightful article by Pietro Angelo Gangi and Valeria Costa in Domani sheds light on how these ads – broadcast by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translated into five languages – are the media face of a digital propaganda strategy.

The true story behind the aid

In these videos, a robotic voice generated by artificial intelligence repeats key phrases like “thousands of trucks” and “millions of meals.” The footage is accompanied by polished scenes showing smiles and affectionate gestures, ending with the slogan:

“Smiles don’t lie, Hamas does.”

However, on the ground, the testimonies tell a different story. In Khan Yunis, Gaza, humanitarian worker Sami Abu Omar recounted what really happened when, after 100 days of total blockade, aid distribution resumed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (Ghf):

“200,000 people showed up. There was nothing. Then the army began shooting. 39 people died.”

This is not an isolated case. On June 10, UNRWA’s Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X:

“Another day of aid distribution, and another day of death traps. This system does not intend to address the hunger problem.”

A private foundation at the heart of the system

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (Ghf), a “humanitarian” foundation created in February 2025 in Switzerland by an Armenian citizen, is now the only remaining actor in the distribution of food in Gaza, after the expulsion of UNRWA, accused (without concrete proof) of collaborating with Hamas. Unlike the old UN model, which involved many small distribution centers, Ghf operates through a few large hubs. The result? Crowds of people in inhuman conditions, and a constant military presence. The UN refers to them as “death zones.”

One of the young Palestinians interviewed by Al Jazeera, Abdul Rahman Zeidan, said:

“Let us die of hunger, but not like this. My mother died while trying to get a sack of flour.”

A cry that cannot be ignored.

The ads that youtube approves

Yet, despite the heartbreaking images and documented accusations, those ads remain online. According to Google – which manages YouTube’s advertising campaigns – the ads don’t violate any rules. A spokesperson told Domani that, after an internal review, there are no restrictions to apply to this content. This is despite existing rules against disinformation and the exploitation of sensitive events.

The investigation clearly shows how thin the line between information and propaganda can be, especially online. While Israel airs ads about “one of the world’s largest humanitarian operations,” the real images tell a story of hunger, chaos, and despair.

In the deafening silence of major platforms, and with the implicit support of those who allow these videos to circulate, there’s a real risk that propaganda will replace reality. And the reality in Gaza today looks like those walking miles for a sack of flour, only to be bombed while waiting.

Smiles may lie, especially when they’re staged in front of a camera—or generated by AI.