Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the war between the two sides is not limited only to the physical battlefields. The communication battle is just as intense, with the aim of convincing international public opinion and projecting an image of flawless confidence.
Recent tensions between Israel and Hamas have been marked by an unprecedented escalation of violence, which has left many dead and injured on both sides. But beyond the battles on the ground, the protagonists are also engaged in a communications war to influence public opinion.
One of the main tools used in this communication battle is the dissemination of shocking images. Hamas thus chose to film and broadcast live on Telegram messaging attacks against Israeli civilians. Images of corpses, blood and hostage-taking were quickly relayed on social networks, sparking indignation and support for the Palestinian cause.
This strategy aims to show Israeli territory vulnerable and losing, thereby strengthening the legitimacy of Hamas’ actions as resistance against Israeli occupation. But this use of violence and terror for communication purposes is criticized by some experts, who describe it as “horror pornography”.
For its part, Israel reacted quickly by using the same images broadcast by Hamas to show the horror of the terrorist attacks and elicit pity and support from the international community. However, it is difficult for Israel to control the impact that these images can have and to control their use by other actors.
In this context, it is important to keep in mind that the truth is often difficult to discern in such a complex and passionate conflict. Media face difficulties accessing the Gaza Strip, limiting their ability to verify information. Furthermore, each side tends to favor the version of events that corresponds to its own narrative.
Despite these challenges, it is essential for media and readers to seek a balanced perspective and exercise discernment in interpreting events. The communications war between Israel and Hamas must not blind us and prevent us from understanding the real political and humanitarian issues of this complex conflict.
In conclusion, the Israel-Hamas war is not only a military confrontation, but also a communications battle aimed at influencing international public opinion. Both camps use strong images to arouse emotion and rally support. It is essential to step back and analyze the information critically to form an informed opinion on the situation.