In the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel, the world was shaken by horrifying stories. Babies beheaded. Families burned alive. Women brutally assaulted in ways too graphic to comprehend. These stories dominated headlines, filled news broadcasts, and shaped global perceptions of the conflict. But as the days passed, many of these claims began to unravel. Evidence contradicted the reports, and key details turned out to be fabricated or exaggerated.
These falsehoods were not innocent mistakes. They were part of a deliberate strategy—an orchestrated campaign of atrocity propaganda designed to demonize Hamas and justify Israel’s devastating military response in Gaza. The effects were immediate and far-reaching, galvanizing international support for actions that have left thousands of civilians dead, entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, and a humanitarian crisis spiraling out of control.
The Power of a Shocking Story
The story that perhaps had the greatest impact was the claim that Hamas had killed 40 babies, some by beheading them. This horrifying allegation first emerged from a single Israeli soldier and was quickly picked up by Israeli media. Within hours, it had spread across major Western outlets, with even U.S. President Joe Biden referencing the story.
The problem? No evidence was ever provided. Israeli officials quietly walked back the claim days later, admitting that the story was based on unverified testimony. Official Israeli data confirmed that only one baby had been killed during the attack—a tragic death caused by gunfire, not beheading. Yet by the time the truth emerged, the damage was done. The horrifying image of beheaded infants had already seared itself into the public’s mind, fueling outrage and calls for vengeance.
A similar pattern played out with allegations of widespread sexual violence. Major media outlets, including The New York Times, reported accounts of women being assaulted and mutilated by Hamas fighters. But these stories were riddled with inconsistencies and came from unreliable sources. In one case, a paramedic’s detailed account of two teenage girls being raped and killed was later contradicted by the very community he claimed to have served. Family members of alleged victims came forward to deny the stories, and no forensic evidence was ever produced to support the claims.
Why Lies Are Told
False atrocity stories are not a new tactic in war. They have been used throughout history to stir emotions, demonize enemies, and justify extreme measures. The October 7th attacks presented a tragic opportunity for Israeli officials and their allies to craft a narrative of pure evil. The goal was clear: to portray Hamas not as a resistance movement, but as a barbaric, ISIS-like force that posed an existential threat to Israel.
This narrative served to obscure the broader context of the conflict, including the decades-long Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the harsh conditions in Gaza. By focusing on fabricated or exaggerated atrocities, the conversation shifted away from these issues and towards the need for a military response.
Collateral Damage of Lies
The consequences of this propaganda campaign have been devastating, especially for the people of Gaza. As the world rallied around Israel, its military launched a massive assault on the besieged strip. Entire neighborhoods were bombed, schools and hospitals were destroyed, and thousands of civilians were killed. The narrative of Hamas’s barbarity made it easier to justify these actions, framing them as a necessary response to an unimaginable threat.
But the harm wasn’t limited to Gaza. These lies also deepened divisions around the world, fueling hatred and mistrust on all sides. They undermined public trust in the media, as people began to question the reliability of the stories they were being told.
What Really Happened on October 7th?
As more information came to light, it became clear that some of the violence on October 7th had been misunderstood—or deliberately misrepresented. One of the most controversial revelations was the role of the Israeli military in civilian deaths.
During the chaos of the attacks, the Israeli army implemented a policy known as the Hannibal Directive. This policy allows soldiers to kill hostages if there’s a risk they could be used as bargaining chips by the enemy. Testimonies and leaked documents suggest that this directive was carried out on October 7th, leading to the deaths of Israeli civilians caught in the crossfire.
Yet this aspect of the story received little attention. Instead, the focus remained on Hamas and the exaggerated claims of atrocities. This selective reporting not only misled the public but also silenced important conversations about accountability and the true costs of war.
How Falsehoods Spread
One of the reasons these false stories gained so much traction is the way modern media operates. In the rush to report breaking news, major outlets often rely on official statements without verifying the facts. In this case, Israeli officials and their allies provided ready-made narratives that were quickly picked up and repeated by Western media.
Social media played an equally significant role. Once a shocking story is shared, it spreads rapidly, amplified by users who don’t stop to question its accuracy. By the time corrections are issued, the original story has already reached millions, becoming the dominant version of events in people’s minds.
The Need for Critical Thinking
The October 7th atrocity stories highlight the importance of questioning what we hear, especially during times of war. Propaganda thrives on our emotional reactions, making it all the more important to seek out reliable sources and demand evidence before accepting claims as truth.
Governments and media have a responsibility to report accurately, but individuals also have a role to play. By thinking critically and asking hard questions, we can resist being manipulated and push for a more honest understanding of complex issues.
The Real Victims
At the heart of this conflict are the innocent civilians who suffer the most. In Gaza, families are struggling to survive amid relentless airstrikes, while in Israel, communities mourn the loss of loved ones. These are the people who pay the price when lies are used to justify violence.
War is already devastating. Adding falsehoods to the mix only makes it worse. The stories told after October 7th weren’t just about shaping opinions—they were about shaping the course of history. By exposing these lies, we can begin to demand better: better media, better leadership, and better solutions that prioritize peace over propaganda.
The power of truth is immense. It may not come with the speed or drama of a shocking headline, but it has the strength to bring clarity, accountability, and, ultimately, hope.