On 21 July 2024 @endzionism24 posted a video inciting violence focused at the Paris Olympics, while purporting to be from Hamas. We assess it is doubtful the video was released by supporters of Hamas or Palestine and that it is likely the account was created by a pro-Russian disinformation botnet on x.com based on the network the account had followed.
The video is a graphic production by @endzionism24. X has already blocked the account. @endzionism24 was an account specifically made for this video campaign, it only posted one video in its account history and the account was created in February 2024.
Unlikely to be Hamas
Analysis by @talhagin and @moghaoui, conducting credible disinformation analysis and pro-Israel experts succinctly point out that the video is unlikely to be Hamas.
@talhagin
-This video doesn't match the editing style of Hamas. The person never says which group he belongs to. No logos of any group present - which is very odd for this type of video. "severed head" looks like a movie prop.
-Despite having "Hamas fighter" in the name, it hasn't shared a single video by Hamas, nor does it include the symbols of Hamas in it's profile photo, bio or the video it uploaded. Instead, it shares generic Pro-Palestinian content.
-The video wasn't shared on any official Palestinian telegram channel, nor did any (as of writing this) known Palestinian militant group take credit for the upload.
@moghaoui
-The Arabic spoken is weak, pronunciation and accents of letters is all off, definitely not Levant/Middle East, some Berber or mixed languages from North Africa, or the most likely someone who is with Arabic background/learning Arabic.
-Hamas spokesman Izzat Rishq released on his channel a denouncement of the video…but he proceeded to say its a Zionist propaganda.
Official Hamas statement
Traces of Russian Disinformation
Microsoft’s MTAC assessed it was Russian disinformation on NBC but have not released anything backing up their assessment. I agree with the assessment but with lower confidence due to the limited supporting evidence at this time. One thing that is clear is the account has the hallmarks of being made by a pro-Russian information warfare botnet. Pro-Russian information warfare botnets often are connected to crypto meme coins and accounts pushing crypto scams. The account @endzionism24 followed several of these accounts as analysied by 5th Column and noted by @talhagin.
Who it's following:
— Tal Hagin (@talhagin) July 23, 2024
It first followed Elon Musk, then it followed a variety of Crypto and Porn accounts. Suddenly, it shifts - From only following crypto/porn accounts to Pro-Palestinian accounts, starting with @EyeonPalestine. pic.twitter.com/FdxeUiwJgE
Another interesting point is the video specially points out France 'invited israel' to the Olympics. This statement is unusual as Palestine is also invited to the Olympics. This point in the video gives away intent in some respect as Russia is currently baned from the Olympics and this point would be a sore point for Russia.
