Israel has been running a months-long online advertising campaign to discredit and defund the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The campaign, which includes Google search ads and video ads, aims to tarnish UNRWA’s reputation and cut off donations to the agency.
Mara Kronenfeld, the director of UNRWA USA, discovered the ads in January while searching for her organization’s name on Google. The ads, which appeared to be from UNRWA, directed users to an Israeli government website that made allegations against the agency. Kronenfeld and her staff appealed to Google for help, but the company has not taken swift action to remove the ads.
Google spokesperson Jacel Booth stated that governments can run ads that adhere to the company’s policies and that users and employees are welcome to report alleged violations. However, Google has not removed the ads, and the company’s policing of alleged misinformation in ads has been criticized.
UNRWA USA has spent tens of thousands of dollars trying to outbid Israel for Google search ad slots, but the impact of Israel’s campaign is difficult to measure. Kronenfeld is concerned that Americans are being exposed to Israel’s propaganda while trying to understand UNRWA’s role in the ongoing crisis.
UNRWA has taken action in response to Israel’s accusations, firing 13 employees who were allegedly involved in last year’s Hamas attack. The agency has also engaged in screening and training to keep Hamas sympathizers out of its ranks. UNRWA’s commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, has stated that the organization plays a neutral and vital role in the region.
Kronenfeld has expressed her concern about the campaign, stating that there is an “incredibly powerful campaign to dismantle UNRWA” and that she wants the public to know what’s happening and the insidious nature of it, especially at a time when civilian lives are under attack in Gaza.
The recent revelation that Israel has been using Google Ads to discredit the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a disturbing example of the Israeli government’s tactics to undermine humanitarian aid efforts. By creating ads that redirect users to a webpage full of allegations against UNRWA, Israel aims to tarnish the agency’s reputation and cut off donations.
UNRWA plays a vital role in providing education, food, and care to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza and neighboring areas. The agency’s efforts are crucial in preserving the dignity and well-being of the refugees.
However, Israel’s accusations against UNRWA have been consistent, with claims that the agency protects Hamas and enables the spread of hateful ideology. UNRWA has acted in response to these accusations, firing 13 employees and implementing measures to prevent Hamas sympathizers from infiltrating its ranks.
The impact of Israel’s misinformation campaign is difficult to measure, but it is clear that it has led to a decrease in donations to UNRWA. The agency’s supporters, including UNRWA USA, have had to spend tens of thousands of dollars to counter Israel’s ads and maintain their online presence.
<p