INTERNATIONAL MEDIA DISCOURSES ON THE ISRAEL–PALESTINE CONFLICT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study mainly examines how four major international media outlets, Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera, Dawn, and The Washington Post, constructed and represented the Israel-Palestine conflict in their coverage between October 7, 2023, and March 7, 2024. Through a qualitative discourse analysis approach, guided by Framing Theory, Agenda-Setting Theory, Edward Said’s Orientalism, the research uncovers how ideological orientations, geopolitical affiliations, and editorial agendas influenced media narratives. A total of 5905 news stories were examined, from which 435 samples were analyzed in depth. Findings reveal marked divergence in media framing. Al Jazeera and Dawn largely aligned with pro-Palestinian narratives, emphasizing themes of humanitarian suffering, genocide, and resistance. The Washington Post advanced a pro-Israeli discourse by framing the conflict around counter-terrorism and national security, often portraying Hamas as the primary aggressor. Al Arabiya, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s pragmatic geopolitical stance, pursued a mixed strategy that balanced critiques of Hamas with appeals for diplomacy. The dominant themes included civilian victimhood, allegations of genocide, terrorism and security concerns, and the humanitarian crisis. Lexical and thematic patterns showed that discourse was not a neutral reflection of events but an instrument for constructing ideological realities. Analysis of word frequency and sentiment further revealed how terms such as genocide, resistance, and terrorism were selectively deployed to sustain competing discourses. This study contributes to media and conflict scholarship by illustrating how international media transcend their informational role to influence global perceptions and foreign policy debates. It underscores the need for critical media literacy and ethically responsible journalism, particularly in conflicts where media framing profoundly shapes international understanding and political outcomes.