By Joe Aura,
{aurajoe6@gmail.com}
Social media has been a double-edged sword in the Gaza War, providing a space for direct, unfiltered
documentation of the realities on the ground, a means for disseminating information in many different
forms and formats, and a platform for amplifying messages of solidarity.
However, where there has been good use, there has also been abuse. Tech giants have come under
intense scrutiny, finding themselves accused of censoring Palestinian content, failing to crack down on
disinformation, and allowing the incitement of violence.
Do you recall the false narrative of 40 beheaded babies confirmed by the president of U.S.A? And how
Hamas used social media platforms to show hostages?
Misinformation on both sides of the Palestinian and Israeli conflict was shared on Facebook, TikTok,
Twitter, WhatsApp and Youtube. The largely unfiltered view may have a long-term impact on how the
public perceives the war.
Certainly. In Kenya, social media has been a powerful tool for sharing information and opinions on the
Israel-Hamas conflict.
Karichi Marimba, a lecturer at Daystar University school of communication shared his views on the topic.
“It is the issues of framing. Take Hamas for example who are fighting for Palestine, even though they are
the aggressors, they frame their message as the ones who are being oppressed. Israel will also frame it
as their right to exist as a God chosen nation. So it depends, what are using social media for”
Kenyans also took to social media to express their views on the issue. Some Kenyans used social media
to show solidarity with Palestine, while others supported Israel.
As of today, communication has been cut off between Gaza and the world but images of the continuous
airstrikes on Gaza are still surfacing on social media.
In conclusion, social media has had both positive and negative impacts on the perception of the world
on the war crisis between Israel and Hamas. It has provided an avenue for people to share their
experiences and opinions with others around the world. However, it has also been used to spread
misinformation and propaganda that can fuel polarization and incite violence.
It is important to be aware of these issues when using social media to stay informed about this conflict.