Media Narratives in the Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Constructivist Approach to Analyzing Media Bias and Digital Activism

Abstract

The Israel-Palestine conflict, one of the most complex and protracted international disputes, has been profoundly shaped by media representations that influence public opinion and international relations. This study identifies three key factors shaping narratives through mainstream and social media: (i) Western mainstream media bias favoring Israel, (ii) the use of emotional language and selective reporting, and (iii) the rise of social media activism, exemplified by campaigns such as "All Eyes on Rafah", which amplify marginalized Palestinian voices. Using a qualitative descriptive approach based on Creswell's framework, the research explores the existence and interaction of these factors in shaping media roles. The study highlights the dynamic interplay between media narratives, public opinion, and foreign policy-making, shaped by historical context, social values, and norms. Findings reveal that while mainstream media historically demonstrate bias and selective framing, social media platforms create space for counter-narratives and more diverse perspectives. This analysis provides deeper insight into how these three factors collectively construct media discourse and potentially influence global public opinion and policy responses to the Israel-Palestine conflict.