Hulu recently aired an advertisement that seems to have been created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), promoting an idealized version of Gaza and blaming Hamas for the region’s current state. The 30-second spot starts off resembling a tourism ad, showcasing beautiful landscapes with palm trees, coastlines, and luxurious hotels. Children can be seen playing, while people dance, eat, and laugh. However, the tone suddenly changes, depicting fighters, weapons, and children holding guns, accompanied by a voiceover suggesting that Gaza could have been like this without Hamas.
The advertisement oversimplifies the complex conflict between Israel and Palestinians, as well as the centuries of war in the region. Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by various countries, seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007. Israeli troops and settlers occupied Gaza from 1967 until 2005 when they withdrew. The United Nations and other international entities still consider Gaza to be effectively occupied, although the US and Israel disagree.
The ad’s use of AI is evident through the imagery, which shows some errors in perspective, repetition of facial expressions, and an overall aesthetic reminiscent of generative AI. The advertisement itself drew criticism for its oversimplification and manipulation of the conflict. It disregards the extensive suffering endured by both Palestinians and Israelis, as well as the intricate historical context.
The current crisis in Gaza has resulted in numerous casualties, with over 25,000 people killed since October, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The United Nations estimates that 1.9 million people, approximately 85% of the population, have been displaced. On the Israeli side, around 1,200 people were killed in a Hamas attack that sparked the current situation.
In conclusion, Hulu’s anti-Hamas ad presents an idyllic version of Gaza and blames Hamas for its current state. However, the conflict between Israel and Palestinians is far more complex than portrayed in the advertisement. The use of AI in the creation of the ad is evident, but the oversimplification and manipulation of the conflict have drawn criticism. The suffering endured by both Palestinians and Israelis cannot be accurately represented in a 30-second ad.
