Twitter sees a furious debate over Gaza

A furious debate between supporters and critics of Israel's actions in Gaza has sprung up on Twitter.

Two terms relating to the confict -- Gaza and #gaza -- are in Twitter's top ten "trending" topics, rivalling the surges of tweets about the Palm Pre, CES, and Obama. Just after noon on Friday, about six new tweets were tagged #gaza every minute.

Some people appeared to be using Twitter as a PR platform, highlighting "facts" or "news" to lend support to one side, or highlight the failings of the other. A new twitter account created this morning for fatt_fatima said Israel "ensured the delivery into Gaza of 6,500 tons of humanitarian aid," and accused Hamas of inciting Palestinian children to "commit a massacre." Another user, aperiozar, called attention to real-world demonstrations against Israel, and accused Israel of killing more than 300 women and children in a "Gaza massacre of civililans."

Many of the twitterers argued with each other, in the 140 characters available for each message. Others didn't take a stance, but expressed hope that the fighting would end soon.

Twitter is not the only location for online debates about the situation in Gaza. Earlier this week, a virtual Tel Aviv in Second Life emerged as a location for demonstrations for and against Israel's actions. There are also Facebook pages and groups devoted to the conflict.

Screenshot of Twitter #gaza tweets:

Sources cited, referenced, or consulted: Facebook, Twitter, Wired, The Independent, YouTube.