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2025
Volume: 5, No: 5, pp. 2801–2813
ISSN: 2634-3576 (Print) | ISSN 2634-3584 (Online)
posthumanism.co.uk
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63332/joph.v5i5.1674
The Impact of International Media on the Cultural Identity of the
Palestinian Society
Walaa Dawoud Batat
1
, Eman Ibrahim Elsayed
2
Abstract
This study aims to monitor and analyze the media elites' attitudes towards the impact of international media on the image of the
cultural identity of the Palestinian community abroad. It seeks to identify the extent of exposure of media and cultural elites to
international media, as well as to examine the role of international media in promoting Palestinian cultural authenticity from the
perspective of intellectuals and media professionals. Furthermore, the study investigates the role of the Palestinian community in
preserving its cultural identity in the face of international media influences and highlights the main challenges Palestinian media
faces in maintaining the authenticity of its cultural identity.The study was conducted using a purposive sample consisting of 20
academics, media professionals, and intellectuals. Through in-depth interviews, the main findings indicate that there is a variation
in the patterns of exposure to international media among the media elites and intellectuals. This reflects an advanced professional
awareness of the media's role and the necessity of following international media coverage, particularly regarding the Palestinian
issue. There is a preference for selective exposure linked to major events. The results also show that media elites and cultural figures
rely on international media as analytical sources, with varying degrees of dependence based on the nature of the media outlet. Some
exhibit critical awareness, prompting them to verify the credibility of information from multiple sources. International media outlets
demonstrate clear differences in how they address Palestinian culture. Some media outlets that align with the Israeli narrative use
culture as a tool to marginalize Palestinian identity and distort its heritage, while media outlets supporting the Palestinian cause
fail to separate cultural from political narratives, which limits the recognition of culture as an independent value.
Keywords:
International Media, Cultural Identity, Palestinian Society.
Introduction
Cultural identity is one of the most significant elements of human existence, representing the
reference framework that defines the uniqueness and belonging of communities, and forms the
essence of both individual and collective selfhood. In light of the rapid transformations in
contemporary society, international media has played a pivotal role in influencing patterns of
thinking and behavior. It has even extended to directly affecting the components of the cultural
identity of peoples, especially in societies suffering from occupation, displacement, or deliberate
distortion of their image abroad, as is the case with the Palestinian community.
The dominant presence of international media in the communication space has posed significant
challenges to Palestinian identity, which faces attempts of erasure and marginalization, in
contrast to internal efforts striving to preserve and enhance cultural authenticity in the face of a
global media discourse that may overlook or distort this identity. Hence, the importance of this
research arises, which seeks to study the extent of the impact of international media on the image
1
Assistant Professor of Media, Department of Media Technology, Palestine Technical University, Khadori
walaa.battat@ptuk.edu.ps
2
Pusat Pengajian Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Dr. zulmadani@ukm.edu.my
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of Palestinian cultural identity, and analyze its role in either unveiling the truth or reproducing
an unjust stereotypical image, from the perspective of a selected group of intellectuals,
academics, and media professionals.
The research aims to investigate the role international media plays in shaping the external
perception of Palestinian identity and its contribution to supporting values of authenticity or
reproducing a hybrid or distorted identity. Additionally, the study highlights the efforts of the
Palestinian community in resisting this influence through the preservation of cultural identity
elements and addressing the challenges facing Palestinian media in fulfilling this role. To
achieve this, the research uses a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with a
purposive sample of 20 intellectuals, academics, and media professionals during the study period
from the beginning of 2025 to May 1, 2025.
Previous Studies
The Impact of International Media on the Cultural Identity of the Palestinian Community
The study by (Alwan et al., 2025) discussed the role of media in preserving Iraqi cultural identity
during crises. This study belongs to descriptive research and relied on a quantitative approach,
using a questionnaire as a tool for data collection, applied to (450) followers of Iraqi media
channels and networks. The main findings were:
Media contributed to raising awareness of the importance of cultural identity through
educational and cultural programs that highlighted Iraqi heritag.Media supported local arts and
cultural initiatives, which helped revive and enhance traditional arts.Media was able to shed light
on the challenges facing Iraqi culture, thus stimulating public discussions on ways to preserve
it.
The study by (Yolanda et al., 2025) explored the role of social media in shaping global cultural
identity. It belongs to descriptive research and adopted a qualitative approach, using content
analysis and semi-structured interviews as data collection tools. The study was conducted on
(30) active social media users from diverse cultural backgrounds and concluded that social media
plays a pivotal role in shaping youth identity and promoting intercultural understanding. It is a
double-edged sword, as it supports the development of a global cultural identity while preserving
its unique cultural elements.
The study by (McKenzie, 2025) explored digital media as platforms for developing cultural
identity, focusing on emerging adults from the Hmong American community. This study is
descriptive in nature, employing a survey approach and using content analysis and in-depth
interviews as data collection tools. The sample consisted of (17) emerging adults from the
Hmong American community who used digital media to develop their cultural identity. The
findings indicated that participants used digital media to explore and express their cultural
identity, breaking away from traditional Hmong values and reshaping them. The use of digital
media raised awareness of the tensions between Hmong values and American values, helping
some participants reconcile them.
The study by (Manago et al., 2025) examined the impact of digital communications on the
development of cultural identity among adolescents in a majority world. This study belongs to
semi-experimental research and used a semi-experimental design, with in-depth interviews as
the primary data collection tool before and after adopting social media within the community. It
was conducted in 2009 with (80) girls (mean IQ = 94.16) and in 2018 with (44) girls (mean IQ
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= 15.91) using eight short stories developed from ethnographic work in the community designed
to extract participants' beliefs and cultural values. The study found no differences in character
endorsement between the two groups. Education was found to predict alignment with individual
characters in regression analyses, not mobile use or social media. Framework analyses showed
that adolescents in the two groups differed in how they integrated individual and collective
perspectives.
The study by (Shantha, 2024) examined the role of visual media in promoting cultural identity,
focusing on the Cultural Spaces program on the Iraqi Satellite Channel. This descriptive study
adopted a survey method and used questionnaires as data collection tools from (100) viewers of
the program in Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. The results showed that the Cultural Spaces program
plays a central role in increasing cultural awareness among viewers, significantly influencing
their behavior towards culture and cultural activities, making a substantial contribution to
enhancing cultural identity.
The study by (Al-Zahrani, 2024) focused on the use of photojournalism to enhance cultural
identity in Saudi Arabia. This study is analytical-descriptive, relying on the sampling survey
method and qualitative content analysis. It analyzed all visual posts published on the official
account of the Saudi Ministry of Culture on the "X" platform, including visual content and
photographs used to promote cultural identity from February 1, 2024, to the end of June 2024.
The findings indicated that graphic and photographic images play a key role in strengthening
cultural identity by documenting heritage and highlighting events. The results showed that
emotions like pride and exploration were most targeted, reflecting efforts to spark interest in
national culture and increase interaction with the content.
The study by (Abu Rahma & Abu Leila, 2024) aimed to explore the role of social media in
promoting cultural and religious identity among Palestinian university students at the Islamic
University. This descriptive study used a questionnaire to collect data from (173) undergraduate
students at the Islamic University of Gaza. The results showed that the overall role of media in
enhancing cultural and religious identity among university students was 33.77%, rated as very
low.
The study by (Sutrisno, 2023) aimed to analyze changes in media consumption patterns and their
impact on individuals’ cultural identity. This qualitative study relied on content analysis of
media texts and information collected from various media sources. The findings highlighted that
changes in media consumption patterns in the era of globalization have a significant impact on
individuals' cultural identity. Easy access to diverse media content from around the world
provides opportunities for intercultural interaction and information dissemination, yet this also
presents challenges in maintaining a balance between preserving local cultural identity and the
impact of global culture.
The study by (Shuxin et al., 2023) aimed to explore the impact of digital media on cultural
identity. This survey-based study used the Ethnic Identity Measure (AEIM-R) to collect data
from (600) students from various universities in China. The results showed that digital media
influences students' cultural identity, and as students increased their use of digital media, their
sense of cultural identity also increased.
The study by (Khamous, 2023) explored the role of food bloggers in preserving Palestinian
national identity digitally on Instagram. This descriptive study used content analysis and
interviews with experts and specialists in digital media and general anthropology. The study
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applied the methodology to a sample of (152) posts from three Palestinian food bloggers on
Instagram: (Mohammad Sbeitah "Abu Julia," Haifa Oda, and Hiba Jaitan). The results showed
that despite the bloggers’ recognition of the importance of Instagram in highlighting Palestinian
cuisine and preserving their cultural identity, they primarily focused on Western and foreign
dishes rather than Palestinian ones. Though aware of their role in preserving Palestinian national
identity through food, their posts mainly served commercial and marketing goals.
The study by (Al-Dhubayani, 2023) aimed to explore the role of media in shaping national and
cultural identity and addressing the negative aspects of globalization in Saudi society. This
descriptive study adopted a content analysis approach using various sources, including books
and research references related to the Saudi society and the study's topic. The findings showed
that media promotes national and cultural identity, preserves the values and traditions of Saudi
society through educational and documentary programs, and encourages national arts and
literature.
The study by (Xu, 2022) aimed to explore the effects of social media on the formation of Chinese
students’ identities. This case study adopted a case study approach, examining how media shapes
the identity of international students, specifically focusing on "Wei," a Chinese graduate student
at the University of Edinburgh. The study showed that discussions on Twitter could enhance
students' sense of national identity and their role as cultural mediators. Social media holds
significant potential for developing intercultural critical thinking and efficiency.
The study by (Fish, 2020) explored cultural representation systems: a study of Native American
identity and cultural representations through digital storytelling. This qualitative study employed
a narrative approach and used surveys to collect data from (73) Native American participants
who attended a one-day workshop on creating digital stories. Content analysis of historical and
cultural representations in indigenous environments through their digital narratives showed that
the cultural storytelling profile can access most historical and cultural representations,
influencing their engagement in narrative processes, which was greater among participants in
this profile.
The study by (Zadi, 2018) examined the impact of communication technology on the cultural
identity of Algerian youth. This descriptive study used a survey approach and employed a
questionnaire for data collection from (400) young people in Sétif, Algeria. The findings
revealed that media technologies serve as a tool for introducing Islam, preserving the Arabic
language, and promoting national history through social media platforms, forums, and satellite
programs that focus on Algerian history.
The previous studies show a marked methodological diversity reflecting various perspectives on
the relationship between media and cultural identity. However, none of these studies directly
address the impact of international media on the cultural identity of the Palestinian community,
making the current study pioneering in contributing to this field. Most previous studies relied on
quantitative and descriptive-analytical methodologies, whereas the current study shares some
similarities with studies that used qualitative methods, such as McKenzie’s study.
Regarding data collection tools, these studies varied between surveys, as in Sutrisno’s study, and
content analysis, used in Al-Zahrani and Al-Dhubayani’s studies. Some foreign studies, like Xu
and Fish, employed interviews and case studies, while McKenzie’s study combined content
analysis and in-depth interviews. The current study uses in-depth interviews with a select sample
to explore the impact of international media on cultural identity through an elite, informed
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understanding of the symbolic and real components of identity.
Regarding the sample, previous studies varied in their focus. Most focused on university
students, as in Sutrisno’s study, or general media audiences, as in Shuxin et al.’s study. In
contrast, the current study focuses on a qualitative sample of intellectuals, writers, media
professionals, and Palestinian academics, enabling a deeper interpretive reading of cultural
identity amidst international media influences.
In conclusion, the current study differs not only in its sample but also in its approach and
perspective. It seeks to understand the impact of international media from within the Palestinian
context, through its cultural elite, while most previous studies confined themselves to
quantitative or descriptive analyses of media content or its effects on general audiences. This
highlights the academic contribution of the current study.
Cognitive and Theoretical Background of the Study
The Impact of International Media on Cultural Identity
Cultural identity refers to an individual's experience of belonging to an internal cultural group
(Nguyen & Ferguson). The media plays a vital role in shaping and enhancing cultural identity
by transmitting information and culture to the audience through various mediums in diverse and
engaging ways. This enables individuals to promote their culture and identity while
simultaneously facing challenges related to preserving cultural heritage amidst globalization and
cultural diversity (Al-Sayed, 1024). International media, particularly social media, has not only
altered how people interact with one another but also how they build their identities and engage
with others. It acts as a mirror to society and a powerful tool for shaping these identities.
While theoretical studies portray media as central and permanent social contexts for developing
cultural identity (Umana et al., 2014), and often use the media preferences and practices of youth
as an indicator to assess behavioral education (Schwartz et al., 2015), the precise role of media
in developing the cultural identity of youth remains unclear (Jensen et al., 2011)
Enhancing Cultural Identity
Transmitting Heritage and Traditions: The media, through its various forms, provides numerous
visual and auditory cultural contents that reflect cultural heritage by showcasing customs and
traditions, which help in promoting understanding and pride in local culture.
Educating New Generations: The media helps in introducing new generations to their history
and culture through educational programs and cultural content that conveys cultural values and
symbols.
Enhancing Cultural Understanding
Cultural Exchange: Media provides a platform for cultural exchange by presenting diverse
content that explores different cultures, contributing to building bridges for cultural
understanding.
Challenges Facing Media in Preserving Cultural Identity
Global Influences
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Globalization: Globalization leads to the spread of cultures, which can affect cultural identity by
promoting a global culture at the expense of local cultures, particularly Western culture, through
media. This may reduce the focus on local culture.
Cultural Marketing: Global marketing campaigns may contribute to spreading different cultures
and lifestyles, which can lead to the erosion of a community's cultural identity due to the effects
of globalization and global consumption.
Media Influences
Commercial Programs: Sometimes, television channels focus on commercial and entertainment
content, which may result in less attention being given to cultural programs that promote cultural
identity.
Cultural Diversity: Presenting visual content that covers a broad range of cultures can lead to
the erosion of cultural identity if the balance between different cultures is not presented in ways
that respect and enhance the local culture (Kreba, 2021)
Strategies for Preserving Cultural Identity through Media (Kabbara, 2003):
Developing Local Cultural Content
Producing Documentary and Educational Programs: Encouraging the production of
documentary and educational programs that address cultural heritage and local traditions can
help enhance and protect cultural identity from external influences.
Supporting Local Arts: Supporting the production of films, music, and visual arts that reflect
local culture enhances the preservation of cultural heritage and its presentation to the public.
Deepening Cultural Interaction
Encouraging Cultural Dialogue: Developing media programs and discussions that address
cultural issues and foster idea exchanges between cultures can enhance mutual understanding
and respect.
Engaging with the Audience: Using digital media to interact with the audience and gather their
feedback on cultural content can help improve the way cultural identity is presented and
promoted.
Theoretical Framework of the Study:
The researchers in this study adopted Cultural Implantation Theory.
Cultural Implantation Theory refers to the process of acquiring behaviors or knowledge through
a cultural medium. This theory relies on the dominance of images transmitted through television
and their importance as a source of information.
Hypotheses of the Cultural Implantation Theory:
The main hypothesis of the Cultural Implantation Theory states that the more time individuals
spend in front of the television, the more they perceive social reality compared to those with
lower viewing time (Shafik, 2014)
The theory of cultural implantation is based on several sub-hypotheses:
Television as a Unique Medium: Television is considered a unique medium for cultural
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implantation due to its presence in most households and its ease of use by the public.
Television and Unselective Exposure: Television differs from other media because implantation
occurs as a result of unselective exposure and use by the audience.
Television as a Model for Ideas and Beliefs: Television presents a model of images, ideas,
beliefs, and behaviors that reflect the dominant direction in a specific society. This leads to
viewers' increased belief in the reality of what is presented on television, and they come to accept
what is shown as real. As a result, viewers accept the ideas, opinions, and views presented by
the elite.
Increased Belief in Television’s Reality: The more viewers believe in the reality of what is
presented on television, the more the implantation process intensifies (Ibrahim, 2024)
Study Population:
The study population consists of a select group of educated Palestinians, including intellectuals,
writers, artists, poets, and elites in the academic and professional media fields, both male and
female, residing within Palestine.
Selection of the Study Sample:
The process of selecting a suitable sample from the elite Palestinian intellectuals, writers, and
academic and professional media personnel residing in Palestine faces significant challenges due
to the current political situation. The study sample was selected through a combination of
convenience and purposive sampling methods. The researchers reached out to a sample of
Palestinian intellectuals, writers, and media elites, both male and female, residing in Palestine,
in addition to personal networks. The sample was expanded by asking some participants to
nominate other colleagues from the same community, which helped build a more comprehensive
sample. The final sample consisted of 20 intellectuals, writers, and media elites, selected
purposively.
Justifications for Selecting the Study Sample:
The study aims to explore the views of cultural and media elites regarding the impact of
international media on the cultural identity of Palestinian society and how this affects the general
public and its degree of adoption of international media's perspective. The study compares
popular culture with elite culture, often associating elite culture with awareness and being more
open to sources of information and knowledge due to advanced technology and interconnections.
In contrast, popular culture tends to be more consumer-oriented.
Data Collection Tool:
In-Depth Interview Guide:
Interviews are a central method of data collection in qualitative research and are considered a
qualitative form of conversation. The knowledge gained from the interaction between the
interviewer and the interviewee forms the basis of the data. An interview is a conversation with
a structured goal set by the interviewer, going beyond spontaneous exchanges of opinions in
daily conversations. The aim of the interview is to obtain descriptions of the life world of the
individuals being interviewed and provide interpretations of the meaning of the phenomena
being described.
The researchers developed an interview guide to achieve the study's objectives, drawing on both
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local and international studies. The guide included five main topics with a set of sub-questions.
After the preliminary draft of the interview guide was prepared, it was reviewed by several media
professors to assess its validity and effectiveness in achieving the intended goals. Feedback from
the reviewers led to the addition, removal, or modification of questions to make them more
precise and clear. The final version of the interview guide consisted of five main topics with
twelve sub-questions as follows:
First axis: Exposure of cultural and media elites to international media.
The second axis: The impact of international media on the image of Palestinian culture
abroad from the perspective of intellectuals and media professionals.
The third axis: The role of international media in enhancing Palestinian cultural
authenticity from the perspective of intellectuals and media professionals.
Axis Four: The role of Palestinian society in preserving its cultural identity against the
influence of international media.
Fifth axis : Challenges faced by Palestinian media in preserving cultural identity.
Data Analysis:
The researchers used Nvivo software for qualitative analysis to code and categorize interview
responses. This helped the researchers organize and write up the research results and compare
the responses of the study sample more quickly and accurately. After conducting the interviews
and transcribing them, the data were entered into the software, which created a coding structure
to classify the responses according to the in-depth interview guide. The researchers then
analyzed the responses according to the different topics to produce the final report and identify
similarities and differences, resulting in well-organized and accurate findings.
Study Findings:
The study reached several key findings, primarily as follows:
First: axis - Exposure of Cultural and Media Elites to International Media:
The study showed a variety of exposure levels among the academic media elites and intellectuals
to international media, ranging from moderate to consistent and regular exposure. The reasons
for exposure varied, but primarily it was driven by their media work, which required them to
follow current events continuously. Some individuals only engaged with international media in
response to significant events, viewing them as international references or perspectives on major
events.
Most of the cultural and media elites agreed that they relied on international media sources to
analyze how international media portrayed the Palestinian issue and the image of Palestinians in
the global media. The degree of reliance varied between partial and complete dependence. Some
experts emphasized that international media outlets were easier to follow for breaking news and
official statements but stressed the need to verify the accuracy of the information by consulting
foreign media. Others viewed international media as a source of information only for major
events related to Palestine and not for cultural content.
The Second Axis - Impact of International Media on the Image of Palestinian Culture
Abroad:
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The findings revealed that cultural and media elites agreed that international media could be
divided into two main categories: pro-Palestinian media (represented by Arab sources and
countries supporting the Palestinian cause) and anti-Palestinian media (represented by those
supporting Zionism, including Western and American media). Regarding pro-Palestinian media,
these outlets treated Palestinian culture politically, without granting it the same independent
space they gave to political matters. Cultural narratives were often politicized, gaining attention
or declining according to shifts in political stances. The wave of normalization in the Arab world,
for example, led to a neutral or diminished portrayal of Palestinian culture.
Anti-Palestinian media, such as Zionist-supporting outlets, worked to marginalize or distort
Palestinian cultural dimensions and contributed to the Judaization and Israeliization of
Palestinian history and heritage. These outlets leveraged their vast resources and control over
influential global media channels.
A portion of the intellectuals and media professionals argued that international media could not
alter Palestinian cultural renewal, given the awareness among Palestinian youth about their issue.
They have increasingly turned to digital media to present the true image of Palestinian culture,
rather than what international media attempts to portray. Moreover, several elites noted that
international media had a significant negative impact on Palestinian culture before the 2023
Israeli war on Gaza, reinforcing negative stereotypes of Palestinian society and distorting many
historical truths. However, after the war, the Palestinian narrative gained prominence through
social media, despite international attempts to distort or ignore Palestinian culture in favor of the
Zionist narrative.
The Third Axis the Role of International Media in Promoting Palestinian Culture or
Authenticity:
When asked about the role of international media in promoting or renewing Palestinian culture,
responses varied. One group of elites believed international media contributed to introducing
new concepts and cultural models, especially in the digital media era, attempting to manipulate
facts to serve the Israeli narrative. Another group argued that the technological revolution and
social media platforms had breached the barriers imposed by the Israeli narrative, strengthening
the Palestinian culture and position in the eyes of global audiences.
Axis Four the Role of Palestinian Society in Preserving its Cultural Identity
Most participants agreed that culture is a front in the ongoing conflict, not a luxury or secondary
matter. Palestinian society actively protects its cultural awareness to prevent it from being
intellectually and culturally stripped away. Intellectuals and media elites emphasized the
importance of supporting artists and intellectuals to enhance Palestinian culture, as well as
promoting local media and educating younger generations about the history and culture of
Palestine to instill and transmit Palestinian identity and culture across generations.
They also emphasized the need for a strategic media plan that incorporates cultural content
tailored to different age groups, considering the openness of younger generations to various
cultures. This plan should be studied carefully and include appropriate tools to direct media
messages, as well as campaigns promoting cultural identity abroad and increasing international
participation in cultural events to further disseminate Palestinian identity.
Fifth axis - Challenges Faced by Palestinian Media in Preserving Cultural Identity:
Participants identified the major challenge facing Palestinian media as its inability to reach and
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impact both within Palestine and internationally, constrained by occupation-imposed limitations.
Israeli and Western media continue to promote the Israeli narrative, sidelining or distorting the
Palestinian story. Palestinian media also faces funding challenges, political pressures, and
limited creative freedom. However, with advancements in digital media and technology, the
younger generation is determined to break free from stereotypical portrayals and assert its
national identity.
The study group agreed that the biggest challenges include the dominance of Arab and global
media, the dominance of Israeli and American media, the lack of Arab/Falestinian social media
platforms with international reach, the absence of a clear Palestinian media strategy, and Israel's
ongoing cultural war against Palestinian culture and identity, especially in the Western world.
These challenges call for clear strategies to address Palestinian attempts at cultural renewal
through international media.
The study group concluded that there are both aware and shielded segments of society and more
superficial, easily influenced groups. Despite these differences, the consensus was that holding
onto Palestinian cultural identity is a natural and spontaneous response to the ongoing attempts
by the occupation to erase Palestinian culture. This resistance, whether studied and
institutionalized or spontaneous and popular, is a form of resistance that imposes itself
automatically. Both approaches are important in their own right.
Conclusions
1. The diversity of exposure to international media among the media and intellectual elite
reflects an advanced professional awareness of the role of media and the necessity of following
international coverage, especially regarding the Palestinian issue, with a preference for selective
exposure linked to major events.
2. The members of the media and cultural elite rely on international media as analytical
sources, with varying degrees of reliance depending on the nature of the media outlet. Some
exhibit critical awareness, prompting them to verify the credibility of information from multiple
sources.
3. International media shows a clear disparity in its portrayal of Palestinian culture. Some
media outlets, which support the Zionist narrative, use culture as a tool to marginalize Palestinian
identity and distort its heritage, while media supportive of the Palestinian cause fails to separate
cultural from political discourse, limiting the recognition of culture as an independent value.
4. The role of digital media emerged as an alternative platform for Palestinians and the
general public in conveying the Palestinian cultural narrative and overcoming the restrictions
imposed by traditional international media, particularly following the 2023 Gaza war.
5. There is a profound awareness among the elite regarding the importance of culture as a
frontline of struggle and resistance, not merely a recreational aspect. This awareness is linked to
calls for strategic media efforts to establish and strengthen Palestinian culture among the
generations.
6. The challenges facing Palestinian media in promoting cultural identity are divided into
structural and political challenges, such as limited resources, the dominance of the Israeli
narrative, the absence of globally influential Palestinian media platforms, and the lack of an
effective national media strategy.
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7. Despite these challenges, holding on to cultural identity remains a collective choice for
Palestinian society, manifesting in both spontaneous and deliberate cultural resistance, which
emphasizes the importance of supporting digital media initiatives and local cultural activities as
means to create a renewed and impactful Palestinian cultural discourse.
Recommendations
1. Design a comprehensive national media strategy that enhances the presence of
Palestinian culture in international media, focusing on addressing global public opinion in
multiple languages and through authentic and modern cultural and artistic narratives.
2. Provide financial, technical, and professional support to local media to enable it to
counter the distortion and marginalization practiced by some international media outlets, by
producing high-quality cultural content that is internationally shareable.
3. Strengthen investment in Palestinian digital platforms and build media channels and
social media sites capable of penetrating international media spaces, offering a contemporary
Palestinian cultural narrative that appeals to the younger generation both within Palestine and
abroad.
4. Launch training programs for media and cultural elites to equip them with skills in
international communication, global media analysis, and content production aimed at global
public opinion in a competitive and impactful manner.
5. Collaborate with Arab, regional, and international institutions to produce joint cultural
and media projects that enhance the presence of the Palestinian cause and its culture on the
international stage, particularly in artistic and academic circles.
6. Prepare awareness campaigns targeted at different age groups to promote awareness of
Palestinian cultural identity within society, and to train a youth generation capable of confronting
media campaigns targeting culture and identity.
7. Establish a media monitoring and analysis unit to track the representation of Palestinian
culture in international media, analyze content that either strengthens or weakens the image of
Palestinian cultural identity, and propose thoughtful media policies and responses.
8. Support Palestinian cultural production through independent and specialized cultural
institutions dedicated to preserving heritage and modernizing Palestinian cultural traditions
using digital and evolving linguistic media.
9. Encourage participation in international cultural events and exhibitions to present
Palestinian culture as a living, evolving identity, not merely as part of a political struggle, thereby
enhancing the human and civilizational perspective of Palestine.
10. Confront the Israeli cultural media war with a persuasive alternative discourse based on
historical facts and the human dimension of the Palestinian cause, focusing on art, literature, and
music as soft, yet powerful, tools in shaping global public opinion.
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