Narratives in Conflict: Exploring Language and Power Dynamics in the Israel-Gaza War (2023–2024)

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the media narratives surrounding the Israel-Gaza War (2023–2024), examining how power dynamics are linguistically constructed, maintained, and contested in global news discourse. By synthesizing the theoretical frameworks of Norman Fairclough, Teun van Dijk, Ruth Wodak, and Theo van Leeuwen, the research analyzes the reporting of Al Jazeera English (AJE) and BBC News. The analysis focuses on three primary discursive dimensions: lexical choice and terminology, social actor representation, and strategies of legitimation. Findings indicate a profound divergence in narrative framing; while AJE situates the conflict within a discourse of structural violence, coloniality, and resistance, BBC News employs a securitized, de-contextualized framework that emphasizes "both-sidesism" and immediate tactical events. This discursive struggle highlights the role of language not merely as a descriptive tool but as a crucial site for the exercise of symbolic power, ultimately shaping international public perception and the geopolitical response to the conflict.