A widely circulated video claiming to depict an Israeli commando shooting a Hamas gunman has been debunked as footage from a Brazilian police rescue simulation. The misleading posts emerged during a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which began following extensive hostilities that started with Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
The video, shared across various social media platforms, shows a masked individual holding a gun to a hostage’s head on a balcony. Brazilian police officers then rappel down from above to rescue the hostage and neutralize the threat. Captions accompanying the video, including one in Hindi, incorrectly identified the operation as an action taken by an Israeli commando.
Context of the Misidentification
The footage has been circulating since July 2025, when the Military Police of Minas Gerais (PMMG) conducted a public demonstration of their Special Police Operations Battalion, known as BOPE. This simulation was part of a commemorative event at the PMMG academy in Belo Horizonte. According to Brazilian news outlet O Popular Net, the event captivated the audience but led to some confusion, with viewers mistakenly believing it depicted a real-life hostage situation.
The post that sparked the most attention on social media claimed, “Look at the precision,” suggesting that the dramatic rescue was an actual operation against Hamas. Comments on the posts praised the supposed Israeli tactics, with one user stating, “The Indian Army should learn from the Israeli commandos.” Yet, the reality is far different.
Source Verification and Official Statements
A reverse image search of the video revealed its origin in a Facebook post from O Popular Net dated July 8, 2025. The post clarified that the footage was indeed a simulation carried out by BOPE, intended to demonstrate the police’s readiness to handle extreme situations. The PMMG later confirmed that the simulation occurred during their anniversary celebrations on July 6.
Furthermore, the United Nations reports that the ongoing conflict has led to an estimated death toll of 69,513 Palestinians since the escalation began. This context underscores the sensitivity surrounding the portrayal of military actions in the region.
The military police provided a statement to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on November 18, reaffirming the nature of the footage as part of a drill rather than an actual engagement with Hamas. They emphasized the importance of accurate representation in media, especially during such a volatile period.
In conclusion, the misrepresentation of the Brazilian police drill as an Israeli military operation reflects the larger tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. As misinformation continues to spread, it highlights the necessity for careful scrutiny of content shared across social media platforms.
