The influence of international popular protests on policymaking regarding the 2023-2025 Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, according to journalists

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the causal relationship between international protests and changes in Israeli political and military decisions, assess the role of media in linking public pressure to Israeli responses, and explore the influence of Palestinian journalists on global public opinion. The descriptive survey methodology was employed, with a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. The sample consisted of 75 Palestinian journalists working in local and international media organizations who were directly involved in covering the events. The key findings of the study are as follows:

• A significant proportion of journalists perceive that protests have had a substantial impact on Israeli decision-making, particularly in prompting withdrawals or adjusting the pace of military operations.
• Social media platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram, were among the most effective tools for transmitting protests and fostering empathy towards Gaza.
• The continuation of massacres and the targeting of civilians served as the primary catalysts for the escalation of protests and their increased political and diplomatic influence.
• The results also demonstrated that Palestinian journalists played a prominent role in directing global media coverage despite facing considerable challenges, including censorship, disinformation, and field risks.

Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening coordination among international protest movements, leveraging digital media more strategically, and channeling protests into effective pressure tools such as economic boycotts and organized political pressures. Additionally, it advocates for supporting Palestinian journalists by enhancing their technical and professional capacities to continue their crucial role in exposing violations and shaping global public opinion.