Description
The recent crisis in Gaza, following Hamas' attack on Israel on 7th October, has once again brought the longstanding Israel-Palestine conflict into the global spotlight. This study investigates the current and evolving narratives within this ongoing conflict, using content analysis of social media and news media portrayals.
The findings reveal a significant shift in the dominant narrative. Traditionally framed within a counter-terrorism lens by Israel, the narrative disintegrated following the crisis, giving way to a more human rights-oriented portrayal by Palestine. This narrative pivot is attributed to two key factors: firstly, the Palestine narrative successfully exposed and challenged the dehumanization inherent in the counter-terrorism frame, presenting the violence that Palestinian people have faced in Gaza within a human rights context. Secondly, it recontextualised the Israel-Palestine conflict from a counter-terrorism perspective to a broader discourse on colonial history, thereby resonating with a larger, globally-aware audience.
This ongoing narrative transformation underscores the critical role of social media in shaping and reshaping public perceptions. The study demonstrates how digital platforms have amplified diverse viewpoints and fostered a more inclusive discourse, essential for understanding the dynamic nature of political conflicts and the influential power of digital media in shaping public opinion and international perspectives.
