The Implications of the Media Discourse of the Al-Qassam Military Spokesman, Abu Ubaida, During the 2023 Gaza War: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to explore the implications of the media discourse of the Al-Qassam military spokesman, Abu Ubaida, during the 2023 Gaza War. It sought to analyze the types of discourse, propositions, argumentation strategies, and active forces highlighted.

Methods: The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing discourse analysis as its primary tool. The research population included all videos and speeches delivered by the military spokesman between November 7, 2023, and December 31, 2023. A purposive sample of eight speeches was selected for comprehensive analysis.

Results: The findings revealed that narrative discourse was the dominant style, constituting 37%, followed by expressive discourse at 30%, and descriptive discourse at 28%. Military themes ranked first in propositions at 41%, followed by political themes at 33%. Argumentation strategies focused primarily on field realities, accounting for 40%. The analysis also showed a close alignment of the active forces represented between the Al-Qassam military spokesman and Israeli forces.

Conclusions: The study recommends enhancing the communication strategies of Palestinian resistance to strengthen its presence both locally and internationally. It emphasizes balancing different propositions and leveraging media tools to highlight the humanitarian aspects of the conflict.