Photos of a lion in front of a house have been circulating on social media and WhatsApp groups, with claims that they document a lion escaping in the town of Beit Fajjar, in the Bethlehem Governorate.
Kashif verified the image and the accompanying news story and found them to be manipulated and generated via artificial intelligence, and the story entirely fabricated. Upon closer examination of the image of the lion standing, Kashif found that it was detached from the ground and that one of its legs was abnormally twisted.
Kashif also contacted Beit Fajjar Mayor Sharif al-Suwaiti, who stated that the image was fake and generated using artificial intelligence. It was taken from the northwest region of Beit Fajjar, and the news was false.
This was confirmed by journalist Wael Taqatqa from Beit Fajjar, who also claimed the image was fake and generated using artificial intelligence. He urged citizens not to be drawn into rumours, which could create confusion and fear among the public.
| Sources of Claim | Sources of Verification |
| Hebron Post, Taffuh Town, Hebron H2 , Hebron Plus | Sharif Al-Suwaiti – Mayor of Beit Fajjar, journalist Wael Taqatqa |