Israel’s Defense Ministry is working on an artificial intelligence (AI) platform called NRTM that aims to monitor the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip in real-time. The system utilizes open-source information such as reports from international aid organizations, satellite imagery, news stories, and social media posts to create a comprehensive picture of the living conditions for the two million civilians in Gaza. The goal is for NRTM to become a valuable tool for Israeli leaders, aid organizations, and journalists to gather accurate and up-to-date information about the situation on the ground.
The platform, which resembles ChatGPT and other AI platforms, includes a chatbot that searches for crucial information and can be improved by the user. Developed by a team of high-tech experts and health professionals, NRTM is expected to be available for use on mobile devices and can be quickly adapted to different languages. The Defense Ministry hopes that by providing more factual information, free from the propaganda of terrorist organizations like Hamas, a clearer picture of the situation in Gaza will emerge, enabling better response and aid for the population.
The NRTM platform tracks detailed data and metrics in four key areas: water and food availability, medication and healthcare facilities, internally displaced people, and energy. It utilizes independent satellite imagery, social media accounts, and video imagery to provide a real-life picture of what is happening in Gaza. The system has already revealed that around 8,693 buildings have been destroyed out of 185,000, contrary to recent reports claiming that 50% of the buildings have been destroyed. It has also provided a more accurate estimate of the number of internally displaced people, which is closer to 1.3 million based on calculations of people per square meter.
The NRTM team consists of experts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other professionals from the private sector who were able to bypass bureaucratic barriers and develop the system relatively quickly. The platform is intended to work in conjunction with other sources, including military intelligence and security information. It will provide both the military and the public sector in Israel with a vivid picture of the situation in Gaza, allowing for better decision-making that will impact millions of people. While false information remains a concern, the NRTM team is working to ensure that only results from reliable sources are presented.
The NRTM platform comes at a time when the UN and other organizations have raised concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel has pushed back against these claims, stating that there is no shortage of food and that aid trucks are entering the Strip daily. With the NRTM system, the Israeli government hopes to provide concrete evidence and accurate information to refute these claims and address the needs of the population effectively. By leveraging AI and advanced tech tools, the Defense Ministry aims to revolutionize humanitarian aid efforts and ensure better monitoring and response in conflict zones.
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