FACT CHECK: X Video Shows High-Rise Buildings Being Demolished In China, Is Not Linked To Israel-Hamas War

Christine Sellers | Fact Check Reporter

A video shared on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, purports to show buildings collapsing in Israel as a result of the current Israel-Hamas conflict.

Verdict: False

The video shows multiple high-rise buildings being demolished in China in 2021, according to X and Vice, respectively.

Fact Check:

An Israeli airstrike hit the al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday, according to Al Jazeera. At least 500 casualties occurred as a result of the strike, the outlet reported.

“Someone please tell the ICC people to postpone the World Cup a bit. Israel’s shots are the most entertaining,” the X video’s caption purports, using the hashtags “IsraelHamas,” “PalestineUnderAttack,” and “Gaza_under_attack.” The six-second video, which has garnered over 800 views, shows multiple buildings quickly collapsing.

The video was not filmed in Israel and is not linked to the current Israel-Hamas conflict, however. The video was originally shared to X in July 2023 by political journalist Brian Krassenstein. At the time, Krassenstein said the video showed 15 high-rise buildings being demolished in China a few years prior.

“Probably one of the most satisfying videos I’ve seen. A total of 15 high-rise buildings were demolished simultaneously in China after sitting unfinished for eight years. This took place a few years ago. Why can’t I stop watching this?” Krassenstein captioned the X video.

The video is then further corroborated by a September 2021 Vice article indicating that 15 unfinished high-rise buildings in China were demolished because the developer ran out of money to complete the project. The buildings were located in Kunming, and the controlled demolition took place in late August of 2021, also according to the outlet. (RELATED: Video Claiming To Show An Airstrike In Israel Is Actually Footage From Video Game)

Likewise, the X video showing the buildings collapsing does not appear in any credible news reports about the current Israel-Hamas conflict. In addition, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has neither referenced the video on its website nor its verified social media accounts.

Check Your Fact has contacted the IDF for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.

Note: Check Your Fact is working to debunk false and misleading claims from the recent event. Please send tips to [email protected]. 

Christine Sellers

Fact Check Reporter

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