A targeted media campaign against Qatar in early 2024 gained momentum with advertisements appearing in prominent locations like New York’s Time Square and a Conservative political event featuring former US President Donald Trump. The campaign, detailed in a report by Middle East Eye, coincided with growing criticism of Qatar as it mediated a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Gaza.
Starting with anti-war messages in Lebanon, the campaign spread to France and the US, with ads spreading false information about Qatar on social media platforms reaching over 41 million users. The campaign, costing over $100,000, aimed to discredit Qatar through disinformation about illegal immigration and social unrest.
The ads targeted the Qatari emir’s mother, spreading a deepfake video accusing her of supporting terrorist groups, leading to social polarisation and Islamophobic comments online. The origin of the campaign remains undisclosed, and Qatar’s strained relations with Gulf neighbors and Israel have heightened scrutiny.
As Qatar continues efforts to broker peace in the region, backlash from various parties, including the US Congress and Israel, has put pressure on the Gulf state, sparking concerns about its international standing.