Tahaqaq’s 2024 Report: A Year of Combating Misinformation and Upholding Truth Amid War and Crisis

The Palestinian Observatory “Tahaqaq” has released its annual report for 2024, showcasing its extensive efforts to enhance fact-checking in a complex and challenging media environment, particularly in light of escalating conflicts in the Middle East, including the war in Gaza and South Lebanon. Throughout the year, Tahaqaq produced and published 421 investigative pieces and reports addressing a range of topics, focusing on exposing media misinformation and falsehoods that surged during these crises. The observatory also strengthened its commitment to reliable content by publishing 33 reports in English as part of an initiative launched during the Gaza war to disseminate facts to a broader international audience.

Despite a tumultuous media and digital landscape, Tahaqaq overcame significant challenges in accessing reliable information due to field conditions and communication difficulties. The team leveraged a network of trusted sources and collaborated with field journalists and expert analysts to ensure the accuracy of its reports. Additionally, the observatory utilized advanced digital tools and open-source verification techniques to evaluate the authenticity of information circulating across digital platforms and traditional media.

Based on Tahaqaq‘s methodology and international standards, 67% of the claims reviewed and corrected by the observatory in 2024 fell under the category of false information, while 33% were classified as misleading content.

Wars in Gaza and Lebanon Dominate the Observatory’s Agenda

Since October 7, 2023, Tahaqaq significantly intensified its efforts to monitor and correct information related to the war in Gaza. By the end of 2024, the observatory had published 370 reports debunking false and misleading claims tied directly to the war. These claims circulated widely on social media platforms, propagated by users, public figures, journalists, and media outlets alike.

Many of the false claims originated from official Israeli sources, which heavily disseminated misinformation following the massacres committed by Israeli forces, aiming to deflect accountability and justify military operations. Other claims were promoted through Israeli and Western accounts, employing hashtags such as #Pallywood and #GazaWood to discredit and cast doubt on visual documentation from Gaza. Tahaqaq countered these narratives by clarifying the facts in both Arabic and English, actively combating deliberate misinformation campaigns.

Parallel to the Gaza conflict, the Israeli war in Lebanon saw a surge in media activity, especially following Israel’s ground invasion in early October 2024. Since then, Tahaqaq identified and corrected 66 misleading claims before the ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel on November 27, 2024. The lead-up to the ground invasion was marked by widespread misinformation, particularly during the incidents on September 17 and 18, 2024, involving the explosion of wireless communication devices held by Hezbollah operatives in various parts of Lebanon.

Tahaqaq also tackled claims indirectly linked to the wars, such as reports of Houthi and Iranian attacks on Israeli targets and vessels associated with or supporting Israel in international waters.

In-depth Monthly Reports on Misinformation Trends

In August 2024, Tahaqaq launched a new initiative supported by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), analyzing media misinformation trends, their sources, and their geographic shifts. This effort aims to enhance public awareness and improve the quality of digital content. The observatory has since published four comprehensive reports, with a fifth underway, all translated into English to provide global insights into the patterns and impact of media misinformation and the strategies to combat it.

Recognition for Cross-Border Fact-Checking Initiatives

Tahaqaq was awarded the Best Cross-Border Fact-Checking Project by the Arab Fact-Checking Network for its collaborative efforts with the Lebanese platform Sawaid and Jordanian platform Mizbar. The accolade was announced during the closing ceremony of the 17th ARIJ Forum at the Dead Sea in Jordan. The project focused on combating misinformation during the Gaza and South Lebanon wars in 2024.

Additionally, Tahaqaq and its Egyptian and Tunisian counterparts, Tafnid and Tunisia Investigates, received special recognition at the ARIJ awards for their use of technology and AI to advance journalism and fact-checking. This recognition highlighted the development of the “Anti-Misinformation Archive for Conflict Zones (ACDC)” in partnership with the tech firm Mix Media.

Capacity Building and International Engagement

Tahaqaq expanded its efforts through local and international training sessions. It organized 10 specialized workshops on fact-checking and professional safety for journalists and media students. On October 7, 2024, it launched the “Basma” initiative in partnership with the Central Elections Committee and with support from the European Union. The initiative aimed to empower Palestinian youth to actively participate in the democratic process, culminating in a university debate simulating elections.

On the international stage, Tahaqaq participated in the Arab Youth Electoral Camp, supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). It also concluded its involvement in the regional project “Flying Together,” backed by the IFCN, delivering outcomes that bolstered its independence and effectiveness against misinformation.

Finally, Tahaqaq showcased its innovative “Checkbot” project at the Digital Media Impact Summit (DMIS) in Amsterdam. The project reached the finals as one of the top six initiatives competing at the event.

A Year of Resilience and Impact

Despite navigating crises and challenges, Tahaqaq concluded 2024 with a rich portfolio of achievements that underscore its commitment to combating misinformation and promoting truth. With ongoing efforts to develop its tools and strengthen local and international partnerships, the observatory continues to set benchmarks in fact-checking excellence amid complex crises.