iPad tabs all close if I tap on an image & it opens

This has been a persistent problem even though I’ve continually upgraded my iPad & reset my prefs as recommended. I work with a variety of open tabs but if my finger accidentally sits on an image, not a quick tap, the image opens & all the tabs close including the document or article I was reading. I’ve not been able to find a solution to this annoying problem. The formally open tabs don’t even show up in the “recently closed tabs” feature. I have to search for them elsewhere.

I would appreciate a solution to this obstinate problem.

Thanks, ...mary