One platform that has taken center stage in this narrative is TikTok, the popular short-form video app. TikTok as a News Source When war broke out between Israel and Hamas, TikTok quickly swelled with discussion and content.

TikTok: A Hub for War Discourse

As the conflict unfurled, TikTok witnessed an unprecedented surge in discussions and content related to the Israel-Hamas war. Hashtags like "Palestine" and "Israel" transformed into virtual epicenters, accumulating billions of views. Users worldwide turned to the platform, seeking updates and insights into the conflict.

A Compelling Narrative: Leila Warah's Perspective One individual who notably stood out amidst this digital maelstrom was Leila Warah, a 25-year-old journalist residing in the West Bank. Through her TikTok channel, she presented a unique viewpoint, that of a young Palestinian-American living in a West Bank refugee camp.

The Dominant Influence of Social Media

This surge in TikTok's relevance serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive influence of social media platforms in shaping our comprehension of global events. Studies show that members of Generation Z are more likely to turn to TikTok than Google as a source of news. However, it's important to note that while TikTok can spread both truth and fiction about the conflict, it has played a positive role overall. As Noam Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of ActiveFence Ltd., an Israeli company which builds technology for trust and safety teams in big tech platforms, stated: “People would not believe the magnitude of this event without it being amplified in social media."

Nevertheless, it's paramount to acknowledge the dual-edged nature of TikTok as a news source. While it can be a vehicle for both accurate information and misinformation about the conflict, its overall impact has been largely constructive. Noam Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of ActiveFence Ltd., an Israeli tech company specializing in trust and safety solutions for major tech platforms, underscores the crucial role played by social media in amplifying the magnitude of such events.