On Saturday, 7th October, Hamas launched what has been described as one of the deadliest attacks against Israel. As is common with any nation, Israel has since responded and has officially declared war against Hamas.
Beyond physical combat, both parties have been engaged in a media battle, countering propaganda, misinformation, disinformation, and false narratives. Individuals and organisations on both sides of the war use media platforms to craft their narratives, highlight grievances, and garner international support.
In recent years, media has played an increasingly significant role in shaping the narrative, spreading information, and influencing public opinion about the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. The world must therefore recognise the power of media platforms to shape perspectives and impact the war.
Israel-Hamas
Israel and Hamas alike aim to frame the war in a way that portrays their actions as justified and their adversaries as the aggressors. By carefully selecting their language and imagery, both sides attempt to gain sympathy and support from the global audience. For example, Israel emphasises its right to self-defense against what it termed a terror attack, while Hamas emphasises the plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
The role of the media in the Israel-Hamas conflict is a double-edged sword. While it can be used as a powerful tool for influence, it also poses significant challenges for both parties.
In an age of multiple media outlets, a barrage of information, and different opinions, it can take time for the public to discern fact from fiction. The constant stream of news and updates from multiple sources can lead to confusion and skepticism about the accuracy of the information provided.
Alethea, a research group, said that they had detected a network of at least 67 accounts on X (Twitter), posting false content about the war. Those posts, which include mistranslated videos, have already received millions of views.
“I’m terrified,” Marwa Fatafta, a policy analyst at Al Shabaka, a Palestinian think tank and regional policy manager for the nonprofit digital human rights group Access Now. “There’s a lot of information being shared that is not verified, a lot of calls to violence and dehumanization. All of this is geared towards inciting both warring parties.
In response, some top media platforms have provided avenues for their users and subscribers to counter fake news. X, for instance, recently introduced community notes, and Facebook has a report option where users report fake and false narratives.
Censorship accusations
Both Israel and Hamas have faced accusations of censorship and propaganda. Occasionally, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) social media posts have been flagged as misleading and false. Similarly, Hamas has been accused of limiting press freedom within Gaza.
In the Israel-Hamas conflict, the role of media as a weapon and a battleground is undeniable. It is a silent war where both sides seek to control the narrative and appeal to public opinion. As the world becomes more interconnected, the importance of shaping perceptions through media is only expected to increase.
For lasting peace in the region, finding common ground on the media front, as well as on the battlefield, maybe a crucial step forward. Ultimately, it’s important for all stakeholders to critically analyze the information they receive and strive for a more balanced and informed perspective during this war.