Overview: What BBC Verify Is Checking
BBC Verify Live is focused on separating facts from misinformation in fast-moving conflict zones. The current round of claims includes satellite images of aid lorries near Gaza and footage alleging a strike on a United Nations convoy in Ukraine. Our goal is to verify what is real, what is misrepresented, and what the footage can tell us about the broader situation on the ground.
Gaza: Are Aid Lorries Waiting on the Egyptian Side?
Satellite imagery has shown long lines of lorries outside the Rafah border crossing, waiting on the Egyptian side before entry into Gaza. BBC Verify is distinguishing between aid distribution centers and the queues that form for inspection and delivery. Analysts note that what is visible in satellite images may reflect pre-inspection queues rather than the actual flow of aid inside Gaza.
What the imagery appears to show is:
- A queue of vehicles, including pallets of aid and fuel tankers, waiting near Rafah crossing.
- Separately, a different queue inside Gaza near the Kerem Shalom crossing where aid is brokered for distribution.
An Israeli upgrade to the Kerem Shalom area and adjacent road networks has created a more organized space for trucks to wait and be processed. BBC Verify’s reporting emphasizes that these lorries are waiting to be inspected and permitted access, not yet delivering aid inside Gaza itself.
Context matters: the UN and aid agencies have repeatedly warned about the enormous reconstruction needs in Gaza, estimating damage at tens of billions of dollars. While queues are a visible sign of logistics, they do not by themselves indicate the scale of aid reaching civilians or the effectiveness of distribution channels.
Ukraine: Footage of a UN Convoy Attack
A video circulating on social media claims to show a drone strike on a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy in Ukraine. BBC Verify is assessing the authenticity of the clip, which is reportedly linked to a Russian war blogger and shows two white WFP-labeled lorries being attacked on a road near Bilozerka in Kherson region.
Key steps in the verification process include:
- Cross-referencing the location with known landmarks and matching debris patterns to confirm the scene.
- Examining the drone’s onboard footage and any accompanying timestamps or metadata that can corroborate the date and place.
- Looking for official statements from Ukrainian authorities, humanitarian groups, or the UN regarding the incident.
As of now, the UN condemned the attack on a humanitarian convoy and reported damage to two out of four vehicles, with no injuries. The involvement of a Russian war blogger on Telegram adds a layer of complexity, as material can be shared widely beyond official channels. Verification remains ongoing to determine whether the video reflects a real strike, a miscaptioning, or a different event altogether.
Why Verification Matters for Public Understanding
In conflict zones, imagery can be used to shape narratives, mobilize support, or sow confusion. BBC Verify’s mission is to test claims against available evidence, share what is verified, and explain uncertainties. This approach helps audiences discern what happened, when it happened, and who is responsible—critical factors for informed discussion and accountability.
What We’re Monitoring Next
BBC Verify is continuing to track two key threads:
- The flow of aid into Gaza as border facilities and new logistics corridors evolve, and what that means for civilians on the ground.
- The authenticity and implications of footage related to energy infrastructure attacks in Ukraine, including any direct impact on civilians and energy reliability.
We’re also collecting new responses from witnesses, officials, and humanitarian groups to build a clearer, evidence-based picture of both situations.
How You Can Help
Readers can share sightings, questions, or potential AI/deepfake concerns with BBC Verify. Your submission could help us verify a claim that others may have seen but not understood.
Conclusion
Verification is a continuous process in rapidly shifting conflicts. By examining satellite imagery, corroborating reports, and scrutinizing online footage, BBC Verify aims to present an accurate account of what’s happening in Gaza and Ukraine—and to clarify what remains uncertain.
