Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A massive wildfires that erupted in Los Angeles, California, on January 7, 2025, has drawn international attention, igniting comparisons to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Palestine. Social media users have highlighted parallels between the devastation experienced by Los Angeles residents and the plight of Palestinians suffering from continuous Israeli bombings in Gaza.
Scale of the Los Angeles Wildfire and Gaza
According to Merdeka, One viral TikTok video underscored the striking similarity in the size of the affected areas. In the video, a TikTok users used Meta AI, an artificial intelligence platform, to determine the scale of the Los Angeles wildfire. The AI revealed that more than 36,000 hectares—or 360 square kilometers—had been scorched by the flames.
He then searched Google for the size of Gaza and found it to be nearly identical, measuring approximately 360 square kilometers. “Is this just a coincidence?” he asked in the post that quickly gained traction online.
Comparing Casualties: Los Angeles vs. Gaza
Online commentators have also compared the human toll of the Los Angeles wildfire to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Over the past week, wildfires raging across areas like Palisades and Eaton in Los Angeles have claimed 24 lives and caused financial losses estimated between $250 billion and $275 billion, as reported by CNBC Indonesia.
In contrast, the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, ongoing for 15 months, has displaced nearly all of the enclave’s 2.2 million residents. Reports indicate 47,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries during the conflict. The destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure has cost an estimated $18.5 billion, according to a joint report by the World Bank and the United Nations.
While the scale and context of the two crises differ significantly, the comparisons reflect the global concern for human suffering in both situations.
Budget Cuts in Los Angeles Amid Increased U.S. Support for Israel
Criticism has also been directed at the Los Angeles city government for budget cuts to its firefighting services amid increased U.S. financial aid to Israel. Last week, the Biden administration announced an $8 billion arms sale to Israel, adding to the $23 billion already allocated.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) faced a $17.6 million budget reduction in the previous fiscal year. According to CNN, these cuts severely hampered the department’s disaster response, with staffing shortages and the elimination of civilian roles such as mechanics, leaving 100 firefighters unable to serve.
Los Angeles Wildfires Rage On, Thousands Evacuated Amid Record Destruction
As both Los Angeles and Gaza grapple with their respective tragedies, the parallels drawn by the public underscore a universal desire for empathy in the face of crisis.
(Raidi/Agung)
