'They Lied to You' campaign challenges Gaza ceasefire narrative

Campaign targets 'ceasefire' narrative

Activists, journalists and humanitarian workers launched a coordinated digital campaign on July 16 to refute narratives suggesting the war in the Gaza Strip has concluded. The initiative, circulating in Arabic and English under the hashtag "They Lied to You," seeks to redirect global attention toward ongoing Israeli bombardments, displacement and starvation affecting Palestinian civilians. Participants emphasized that reduced international media coverage does not signify an end to what they describe as a genocidal war that has devastated the territory.

The campaign coincided with an escalation in Israeli military operations, including assassination strikes and bombardments that killed and wounded dozens of Palestinians, among them women and children. Humanitarian organizations report that Israel now controls 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, expanding its occupation beyond the 53 percent stipulated in the ceasefire agreement reached on Oct. 10, 2025, following two years of war.

'What kind of ceasefire is this?'

Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, participating in the campaign, directly challenged the validity of the truce. "They lied to you when they said there was a ceasefire in Gaza. What kind of ceasefire is this when children are still being killed, homes are being bombed, tents are being targeted, and families are grieving every day?" Basal said in a post on X. He added that a genuine ceasefire would mean "the killing stops, the bombardment falls silent, children sleep without fear, and people return to their lives," noting instead that air strikes continue and civilians pay the price daily.

Palestinian activist Osaid al-Kahlout contributed a staged video showing an activist with a sign reading "The war is over" before revealing the campaign hashtag. "They lied to you. They said the scene was over, that Gaza had disappeared from the news, and that the sound of bombardment had faded. But the reality we are living is different," al-Kahlout said, describing continued explosions, destruction and children's fear. "The story is not over. Gaza is not a number in a news bulletin, and its people are not a passing headline," he added.

Children also participated in the campaign, including one filmed in a hospital connected to medical tubes. "They lied to you and said the war was over. There is still war, hunger, destruction, bombardment, and the loss of loved ones and neighbours," the child said. "Those who say the war is over are liars." Activist Ahmed Murtaja also condemned media references to a ceasefire, asking, "Families are still losing their children, and children are still being pulled from beneath the rubble. How can anyone say the war is over?"

Global solidarity

The campaign drew support from Arab and international figures condemning the disconnect between diplomatic rhetoric and ground realities. Moroccan writer Hassan Bennajeh wrote on X that the hashtag challenges claims the war has ended, stating, "The genocidal war continues, so we must continue supporting Gaza." Palestinian activist Ghazi Muhi wrote, "The problem is not that they lied to you. The problem is that you wanted to believe them."

Supporters from Yemen, Pakistan and Europe joined the digital mobilization. A user named Fatima, identifying herself as Yemeni, wrote, "They lied to you because the truth is still being written in the blood of the innocent." Pakistani activist Zara Mufti urged continued advocacy, stating, "The genocide continues. Do not stop talking about Palestine," while a European user identified as Sita called on the international community not to ignore Palestinian suffering.

Violations mount despite agreement

According to the latest figures from the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement have killed 1,127 Palestinians and wounded 3,643 as of Thursday. The ministry stated that since Israel launched its war on Oct. 8, 2023, more than 73,000 people have been killed and over 173,000 wounded, while approximately 90 percent of civilian infrastructure has suffered massive destruction. The territory remains under siege, with activists noting that Israel has failed to reopen crossings or allow agreed quantities of food, relief and medical aid to enter.

The war, supported by the United States, continued in various forms for two years before the Oct. 10, 2025 truce, which was intended to halt hostilities and allow humanitarian access. Instead, humanitarian workers report continuing displacement, hunger and inadequate medical treatment as the blockade persists and military operations expand across the Gaza Strip.