Tel Aviv: Reports have emerged that Google has entered into a six-month agreement worth USD 45 million with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office to support government messaging and downplay international reports of famine in Gaza. The deal, signed in late June, makes the tech company a key partner in Israel’s public relations efforts.
According to Drop Site News, the campaign began after Israel tightened its blockade on Gaza on March 2, halting food, medicine, and fuel supplies. This move triggered widespread concern about a worsening humanitarian crisis. As part of the agreement, Israeli-sponsored content has been promoted heavily across Google platforms, including YouTube. One Foreign Ministry video claiming “There is food in Gaza. Any other claim is a lie” has reportedly drawn over six million views through paid promotions. Official records describe the campaign under the term hasbara, commonly used for Israeli propaganda.
Israel has also spent USD 3 million on ads through X and another USD 2.1 million via Outbrain and Teads, targeting international bodies and Gaza authorities with accusations of blocking aid.
The revelations coincide with the United Nations formally declaring a famine in Gaza, calling it an “entirely man-made humanitarian disaster.” The International Food Security Phase Classification has warned of a rapidly escalating famine. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 185 starvation-related deaths in August, including 12 children, while over 98,000 children and women are suffering from severe malnutrition.
Since October 2023, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 63,700 Palestinians and injured over 161,000, according to health officials.
