Impact of social media platforms on international public opinion during the Israel war on Gaza / Sara Nasereddin

The impact of social media platforms such as X and Instagram was investigated to understand the intricate details of the Israel war on Gaza in 2023. The study focuses on five significant hashtags: #FreePalestine, #CeasefireNOW, #GazaUnderAttack, #StandWithPalestine, and mobile guidance maps such as #PalestinianLivesMatter. A mixed-methods approach was used to analyze social media discourse during the Israel-Gaza conflict from October 1 to December 20, 2023. Data from X and Instagram were collected using APIs like Brand24 and Talkwalker to track engagement metrics. Sampling focused on influential Instagram accounts to capture diverse perspectives. The quantitative analysis involved sentiment analysis and engagement statistics, while the qualitative analysis identified key themes and narratives through hashtag tracking and content classification. The results show that X users are completely in tune with the solidarity of the coalition between international communities and Palestine. At the same time, popular accounts on Instagram have been selected for investigation since they play a significant role in providing original/unedited views of the conflict. Such research brings to light the profound influence of social media in altering the public discourse and concepts about empathy. Highlighting these platforms' role in geopolitical discourse, provides summary covering various aspects. It also makes important findings that deepen understanding of the five hashtags to reflect global digital dialogue during the conflict. The examined hashtags highlight how social media operates as a disseminating agent that advances peace by placing importance on constructing a collective narrative and exerting influence over global public sentiment in periods of conflict.