The challenge of getting accurate information in the Israel-Gaza conflict

Accurate information in the Israel-Gaza conflict has been difficult to obtain due to the prevalence of social media, the toxic environment, and the amplification of disinformation. The fog of war is compounded by conflicting reports, misreporting in the mainstream media, and the influence of social media platforms. The explosion at a hospital in Gaza City exemplified the challenges, with initial claims of an Israeli airstrike killing hundreds being later refuted as evidence pointed to a failed rocket launch from within Gaza. The toxic nature of the information environment is further worsened by declining trust in mass media and other institutions. Advices to reduce reliance on social media for news, follow diverse sources, and engage with long-form content for a more accurate understanding of events.