Misinformation in the Media: Examined in the Palestinian – Israeli Conflict
In light of current events in the Middle East, it is paramount to discuss the ongoing propagation of false information that is being spread. Falsifying information is usually done in the effort to construe a narrative in a certain light, usually to uplift a party while degrading another. Due to the loosening of social media platform policies, posts are piling on and rather than working to improve the quality of service being received by the platform, more time is taken by disproving false information. Through misleading language, false reports and at time, false identities on various platforms, the information being received and further distributed contains inconsistencies. This is extremely prevalent in the Palestinian – Israel Conflict where researchers are finding it increasingly difficult to verify information and track the spread of material. Amid this contentious backdrop, media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception, often influencing policy, public opinion, and international responses to the conflict. This article also examines the role of the media in other conflicts that involve the persecution of a particular group to demonstrate the consequences of mass misinformation.
Israel-Palestine Conflict and Media Narratives
The conflict is a complex struggle that has drawn attention for many decades. At its core, it revolves around competing national identities, historical grievances, and territorial claims in the region. With numerous attempts at peace and countless negotiations, the situation remains unresolved, prompting the involvement of various stakeholders. Whilst the historical roots of the conflict are beyond the scope of this article, presenting key events is necessary in understanding its scope[1]. After World War II, the United Nations endorsed the partition of Palestine leading to the establishment of Israel in 1948. The decades that followed were marked by wars, conflicts, and failed peace initiatives, including the Six-Day War in 1967 and the First Intifada in 1987. Throughout history, the media has played a central role in reporting on the conflict. Journalists, both local and international, have often found themselves striving to present accurate and unbiased narratives; however, its role in shaping perceptions goes beyond mere reporting. The media is a powerful tool that shapes public narratives and provides easy access to information. Media's capacity to shape public opinion, define victims and aggressors, and present facts can have a profound impact on the course of a conflict. Currently there have been reports of false captions, use of footage from previous conflicts as well as AI (Artificial Intelligence) generated images.[2] Media bias, whether intentional or unintentional, can skew narratives, reinforce stereotypes, and influence how international actors respond to a crisis. This is further reinforced by the algorithmic timeline that almost every platform uses, which tracks a user’s interaction with posts on their feed, collecting likes, dislikes, shares and also how long the post was looked at for.
While examining the influence of Israel and its government on media narratives is crucial, it is equally important to acknowledge the broader historical context of Jewish influence in various countries, particularly in positions of financial and political power. It is important to underscore that the historical influence of Jewish individuals in various fields does not imply a collective agenda. While some individuals or groups may advocate for specific positions, others are engaged in promoting peace. Historically, Jewish communities have made significant contributions in various fields, including finance, academia, the arts, and politics, in countries around the world. Their achievements have led to a prominent presence in many societies. However, the influence of Jewish individuals in finance and other influential sectors has, at times, raised questions about its potential connection to media narratives, exemplified by the immense digital media capability of organizations such as Keshet 12, an Israeli mass media company.[3] Concerns have been raised regarding the influence of financial interests on media ownership and content. While it is essential to recognize that media ownership is diverse and not solely determined by one group, these concerns have led to discussions about the potential impact of such influence on media narratives, including those related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In Israel, the Israeli Military Censor wields considerable authority to control the publication of specific news items.[4] The focus of this censorship primarily pertains to military matters, including the reporting of missile accuracy, troop movements, and related information. However, it extends its reach to subjects such as the oil industry and water supply. Journalists who attempt to bypass this military censor or publish censored material risk criminal prosecution and imprisonment, and in extreme cases, newspapers may face closure.[5] There is a notable instance in Israel's history where such action was taken. In the Kav 300 affair during the 1980s, it was revealed that the military censor was employed by the Shin Bet (Israel security Agency) to obscure internal misconduct, resulting in one of the most significant public scandals in the country.[6] This incident led to the withdrawal of major newspapers, HaAretz and Yediot Ahronot, from the Editors' Committee.[7] The coverage of this incident is indicative of the media’s ability to construe a narrative in a favorable light, especially one that satisfies government authorities. This is far from an isolated incident and specific to Israel but has been seen in part world issues.
Comparison to the South Africa Apartheid
Similarities can be seen to South Africa during apartheid, where state-controlled media disseminated information portraying apartheid in a positive light while suppressing contrary perspectives. They created campaigns that would appeal to a range of audiences, from cartoon movies to newspaper and radio content. One prominent film was ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ which is a true story of the author’s own experience on a ranch with a pet dog but uses strong racially charged language. The cartoon was later adapted – free from any racial references – and continues to be known for its charm and innocence. Radio was a powerful medium during apartheid, and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) was state-controlled. It disseminated government-approved content and rarely reported on anti-apartheid activities or the oppression of black South Africans. Whereas other publications that were critical of the apartheid regime were banned under a newly created Publications Act. Photojournalists who documented the struggles of black South Africans faced government harassment. Iconic photographs of apartheid-era events, such as the Soweto Uprising, were often taken by international photographers due to the suppression of local media. Finally, the apartheid regime labelled Nelson Mandela a terrorist up until 2008, along with other members of the African National Congress Party (ANC).[8] This was done in an effort to discredit the movement, stating that Mandela was further inciting violence while in prison.[9] The desired effect was to spread misinformation to the public about Mandela’s activities, especially though state-controlled forms of media, and push for segregations.
Comparison to the Uyghur Genocide in China
Further, misinformation and further censorship of the media is seen in China. China is known to have extremely censored media, with the large platforms available all over the word – such as Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter) – being unavailable in the country. This has become even more prevalent in the situation of the Uyghur ethnic group originating in Xinjiang.[10] There has been detaining of the Uyghurs, forced labour, surveillance, and forced assimilation to Chinese culture[11]. Large numbers are also being detained in massive camps built in Xinjiang where security is extremely tight, preventing images of the camps being taken. Furthermore, Chinese authorities have detained and harassed journalists who attempted to report on Xinjiang and the treatment of Uyghurs. Notable cases include the detention of foreign correspondents like Megha Rajagopalan and the expulsion of Al Jazeera English journalist Adrian Brown.[12] Uyghur academics and intellectuals who have criticized Chinese policies in Xinjiang have been arrested, and their works have been censored. Prominent figures like Ilham Tohti, an economist and advocate for Uyghur rights, was sentenced to life in prison in 2014.[13]
The specific incident where large amounts of competing statements were seen was in the bombing of the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, reportedly killing hundreds of civilians, according to the Gazan Health Ministry. Many social media posts were seen on Instagram and X accusing either side of firing the missile. There were further reports of intercepted conversations between Hamas fighters discussing a misfire. Israeli officials were quick to claim it was a misfired rocket by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, whereas there were announcements calling for the evacuating of the hospital as it will be fired upon on the belief that it was housing members of Hamas, but this statement was also contested as being fake.[14] There was evidence of fake accounts being created claiming to be la-Jazeera journalists reporting that it was a misfired Hamas rocket. Al-Jazeera was quick to respond by saying that the post was made by an unaffiliated person and contained false information.[15] X is also coming under much scrutiny as it used to be a leader in the industry for combating misinformation but has recently had a more ‘hands-off approach’. There has also evidence of 67 Hamas accounts, detected in the past 2 weeks that made radical claims and incited violence, whereas, upon inspections the accounts were either internationally created or contained no connection to Palestine.[16] To add, electricity outages and strikes on telecommunications infrastructure in Gaza threaten Palestinians’ connectivity, demonstrating an imbalance of influence, with one side having significantly more power.
In conclusion, the ongoing propagation of false information in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict and similar conflicts around the world is a critical issue that demands attention. The digital age has brought with it unprecedented challenges in distinguishing fact from fiction, and the consequences of this misinformation are far-reaching. Media, as a powerful tool, plays a central role in shaping public narratives, influencing policy decisions, and impacting international responses to conflicts.
It's essential to acknowledge that the narratives surrounding these conflicts are often controlled or influenced by various actors, including governments, political interests, and powerful individuals. The Israel-Palestine conflict serves as a stark example, where the Israeli Military Censor wields considerable authority over information dissemination. Such control raises concerns regarding biased or manipulated narratives.
Moreover, comparing these situations to historical examples like South Africa's apartheid era and the Uyghur genocides in China underscores the recurring theme of state-controlled media, censorship, and the spread of misinformation. In both instances, governments used their power to manipulate narratives, suppress dissent, and maintain control over the flow of information. In the age of social media and digital platforms, where algorithms can perpetuate misinformation and bias, addressing this issue is of utmost importance. It is not just the responsibility of governments and media organizations but also of individuals to critically evaluate the information they consume and share. The consequences of unchecked misinformation are too severe to ignore, as they can perpetuate conflict, division, and suffering. To move towards a more informed and just society, it is essential that we actively seek the truth, support credible journalism, and engage in open and honest discourse.
[1] Ceu.edu. (2020)
[2] Dwoskin, E. (2023)
[3] Freedom House. (2020).
[4] euronews. (2023).
[5] Friedman, Robert I.
[6] Robins-Early, N. (2023).
[7] Weitz, G. (2011).
[8] Windrem, R. (2013).
[9] Waxman, O.B. (2018)
[10] Borak, M. (2022).
[11] Freedom House. (2022)
[12] Ushmm.org. (2016).
[13] ‘China’s Camps to Erase Muslim Beliefs’ (@AmnestyUK2023)
[14] Jo Ling Kent and Breen, K. (2023).
[15] euronews. (2023).
[16] Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. (2023).
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