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| - A Homeless Dog Lover from 2020 is unrelated to the Israeli attacks in Gaza
Misinformation surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict often stems from misinterpreted images, misleading headlines, or out-of-context statements shared on social media. Recently, a viral photo claiming to show a dog owner killed in Israeli airstrikes circulated on these platforms. However, it features old footage from Yemen, which has been improperly linked to current events.
Social Media Claim
A photo shared on Facebook on October 23, 2024, seemingly depicts a dog owner who was killed in Israeli airstrikes. This image has resurfaced multiple times on social media, often sparking a range of reactions from users, including expressions of sympathy, outrage, and confusion.
The following photo is captured by the above Facebook user who says, “The Israelis shot him and left him to die in the north of Gaza, but his beloved dogs remained by his side while humanity if it exists, abandoned him”.
Similarly, the photo mentioned above was also found and posted on X recently, with a claim linking it to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. For more information and specifics regarding this post, please see the details below.
Given the claim’s extensive dissemination and the considerable attention it has received from the internet community, we believed it was necessary to perform a fact-check on the above subject.
Fact Check
Fact Crescendo monitors and verifies these photos through the Google Reverse Image Search process, which leads us to find the truth as follows:
A reverse image search led us to an Arabic report from Al Jazeera, published on October 20, 2020, which featured the viral photo. This report confirmed that the image is old and unrelated to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The man depicted in the photo was identified as Ismail Hadi, a Yemeni citizen who tragically died on the streets of Ibb governorate in 2020. Despite facing homelessness, Hadi was well-known in his community for his compassion and generosity toward stray dogs. He often shared his limited resources by feeding them, and forming a deep bond with these animals.
Following his unexpected death in October 2020, stray dogs were photographed gathering around Hadi’s body in a poignant display of loyalty and affection. Eyewitnesses reported that the dogs seemed protective, preventing others from approaching him, which highlighted the unique connection he had fostered with them during his life. This touching scene underscored not only Hadi's kindness but also the strong emotional ties that can exist between humans and animals.
The following screenshot from the news website highlights that the stray dogs did not leave the man they had cared for throughout his life when he died, refusing to allow anyone near his body.
The above photo was clarified in a post on X dated October 20, 2020, stating that the homeless man depicted is actually from Yemen. It highlights how his dogs refused to leave his side, showcasing their loyalty and bond with him. This clarification emphasizes the misrepresentation of the image of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
How to Avoid Sharing Misinformation Surrounding the Israel-Gaza Conflict
To avoid sharing misinformation about the Israel-Gaza conflict, verify sources by relying on reputable news organizations and fact-checking sites. Cross-check information across multiple media outlets, and use reverse image searches to authenticate photos and videos.
Read beyond headlines to understand the full context, and be skeptical of emotionally charged content. Stay updated on the situation and educate yourself about the conflict's history. Share responsibly, ensure the information is verified, and report any false claims you encounter to help combat misinformation.
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Conclusion
Fact Crescendo found the claim in the viral post to be misleading. The photo shows a homeless Yemeni man who tragically died in 2020. It is unrelated to the Israel-Hamas conflict and highlights the broader issues of homelessness in Yemen, not current geopolitical events.
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