In today’s media landscape, dominated by social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza is not just televised – it’s seen in real-time by audiences across the world, particularly young people. Despite Israel’s efforts to control the narrative, social media has allowed the truth about its conduct in Palestine to be exposed. Foreign journalists are not allowed to freely report from Gaza, further highlighting Israel’s attempts to conceal the reality of the situation.
With the loss of control over the narrative, Israel and its supporters are feeling the pressure. Social media users have taken to mocking Israel’s attempts to control the narrative, and campaigns like #WeWontBeSilenced are gaining traction, despite the effects of censorship and shadow banning. Even the US, Israel’s biggest supporter, is showing concern over changing public opinion on the conflict.
Israel’s grip on the media narrative is weakening, and the recent Gallup data showing a shift in Democrats’ sympathies towards the Palestinians is evidence of this change. Meanwhile, Meta’s censorship of pro-Palestinian content and Elon Musk’s agreement with Israel over internet services in Gaza have raised concerns about the influence of Israeli PR pressure.
Israel cannot ignore the negative international image it has garnered, as the world can no longer turn a blind eye to the suffering in Gaza. Despite a brief ceasefire, the war on Palestinians may continue, but Israel has already lost the war of public opinion.