US streaming platform Hulu has been slammed for broadcasting an advertisement suggesting the Gaza Strip could be a popular tourist destination if not for the presence of Hamas.
The pro-Israel, 39-second video portrayed Gaza as a potential holiday spot, highlighting “stunning beaches and charming boardwalks.”
Among images of what appeared to be artificial intelligence-generated shots of luxury hotels and smiling locals, the clip’s narrator promised viewers a “taste of Middle Eastern cuisine and a vibrant nightlife.”
However, the ad abruptly shifts tone, juxtaposing the scenes with pictures apparently showing Palestinians, including children, holding weapons, accompanied by the statement, “this is what Gaza could have been like without Hamas.”
The ad ends with the words, “free Gaza from Hamas now.”
The advertisement sparked immediate online condemnation, with many viewers expressing dismay at encountering politically charged content during their streaming experience. Some even threatened to cancel their Hulu subscriptions.
Critics claimed the ad was propaganda, attempting to unfairly attribute the devastation in Gaza to the Palestinian people.
Political analyst Khalil Sayegh said: “Despite more than 16 years of Israeli siege and many previous aggressions on Gaza, it remained a beautiful city filled with life, beauty, and culture until the recent Israeli indiscriminate bombardment.”
Shame on Hulu. Actually, despite more than 16 years of Israeli siege and many previous aggressions on Gaza, it remained a beautiful city filled with life, beauty, and culture until the recent Israeli indiscriminate bombardment.
Nonetheless, we will rebuild Gaza sooner or later https://t.co/1YddyfPn4W
— Khalil Sayegh (@KhalilJeries) January 29, 2024
Another X user described the commercial as “absolutely disgusting, inhumane, insensitive, and dishonest” and asked for the ad to be taken down.
How do you massively report a commercial for discrimination, propaganda & false information?@hulu advertisement #gaza commercials are absolutely disgusting, inhumane, insensitive and dishonest.
How do we collectively get this removed ? Is there a way?
— GothamGeekGirl | Nadya Martinez (@GothamGeekGirl) February 3, 2024
While the ad was briefly featured as a paid promotion on YouTube, it was promptly removed for violating the platform’s policies against displaying shocking content.
However, the video titled “Come Visit Gaza” remains available on the Israeli National Public Diplomacy Directorate’s YouTube page.
Despite widespread criticism, Hulu defended its decision to air the ad and noted that it was only shown during mature-rated content.
The platform’s advertising policies outline a case-by-case evaluation of ads presenting contentious public issues, with consideration given to potential offense on religious or ethnic grounds.
The controversy surrounding the Gaza ad came amid escalating tensions in the region, with international criticism directed toward Israeli military actions in response to Hamas attacks.
The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread humanitarian suffering in Gaza, prompting calls for a permanent ceasefire from a majority of likely US voters, according to a November poll by Data for Progress.
