WebQoof Recap: AI-Generated Visuals, Old Clips Viral Amid West Asia Crisis
Here are the viral pieces of fake news that we debunked this week!
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Amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, Team WebQoof continues to debunk misinformation surrounding the situation. From AI-generated visuals shared as real instances to old clips falsely linked to current events, here’s our weekly recap of the five most viral fake news claims we fact-checked this week!
1. Old Clip Showing Protest Against PM Modi Falsely Linked to West Asia War
A clip featuring several individuals setting fire to an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being shared on social media.
Those sharing the video claimed that people protested against India's alleged normalisation of relations with Israel and increasing tensions with Iran.
However, the claim is false, as we were able to trace this video to January, predating the West Asia war. As per several posts on social media, the viral clip shows protests against the University Grants Commission's 2026 equity regulations.
Read the story here.
2. Fact-Check: AI-Generated Clip Viral as Al-Jazeera Confirming Netanyahu’s Death
A video of an Al-Jazeera news report is being shared on social media with the claim that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has died.
In the clip, the anchor plays a clip, allegedly showing Netanyahu seated at a table with others, after which the ceiling suddenly collapses on them.
However, this claim is false as this viral clip has been created using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. There are no official reports about Netanyahu's demise.
Read the story here.
3. Old Video of Fire in Ajman Market Falsely Shared as Dubai Airport Blaze
A video showing an area engulfed in fire is circulating on social media to claim that it shows a fire at Dubai International Airport.
However, the video is old and shows a fire in a public market in Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Read the story here.
4. Fact-Check: AI-Manipulated Clip Viral as PM Modi Called Iran a 'Terrorist State'
A video showing PM Modi speaking at a public gathering is being shared on social media with claims that he commented on the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, sided with Israel, and labelled Iran a “terrorist state.”
However, the claim is false as this video is manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Read the story here.
5. Video of Palki Sharma Talking About Indian Man Arrested in Bahrain Is a Deepfake
A video of journalist Palki Sharma is being shared on social media with claims that it pertains to the arrest of an Indian national in Bahrain.
In the clip, she discusses “India’s quiet cooperation with US-Israeli intelligence” and its alleged impact on Indian citizens abroad, suggesting that Indian nationals in West Asia are being associated with Israeli-linked operations.
However, the claim is false as this video is a deepfake.
Read the story here.
(Not convinced of a post or information you came across online and want it verified? Send us the details on WhatsApp at 9540511818 , or e-mail it to us at webqoof@thequint.com and we'll fact-check it for you. You can also read all our fact-checked stories here.