Story behind the Friday false rumors in reference to the kidnappings

This Friday morning, Dusiznies received information that we now know was false, that the kidnapped boys were rescued!

 

Here is the background of what transpired!

First see an email from IDF Spokrsman Brig Gen. Moti Almoz.

 

"There is nothing to the rumors that have been spread and they are baseless. I am calling on everyone to act responsibly and I promise to deliver the most accurate information," IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Moti Almoz says.

 

Israelis on social media and via messaging circulated numerous rumors about the kidnapping on Friday before the gag order was lifted and news outlets were allowed to report.

The first large rumor detailed a heroic rescue mission behind enemy lines, in which the kidnapped were taken to the Gaza Strip and from there to Egypt.

Another rumor circulating the web was that the three were no longer alive. Other rumors were spread on Whatsapp in fake messages claiming to be from the IDF Spokesperson's Unit reporting that the IDF and Shin Bet rescued the kidnapped teens from Islamic Jihad captors, and that five terrorists were killed in the operation.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit released a statement calling the circulating stories "baseless rumors and irresponsible." After the gag order was lifted, IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Moti Almoz told cameras, "There is nothing to the rumors that have been spread and they are baseless. I am calling on everyone to act responsibly and I promise to deliver the most accurate information."

Some used the internet to rally behind more positive messages. One Facebook page, titled #BringBackOurBoys and created on Friday, aimed to raise awareness of the three kidnapped Israelis. The group was modeled after U.S. first lady Michelle Obama's social media campaign to rescue kidnapped girls in Nigeria last month.

However, following complaints by Palestinian groups, the page was taken down by Facebook management. The page was later brought back after Facebook announced that no forbidden content was found on the page.

Palestinians from Hebron boasted "Victory 3:1 over Gaza" online, as if keeping score with Hamas, with one referring to the kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit who was held in the Gaza Strip opposed to the three Israeli teens believed to be held in Hebron.