Paper short abstract:

This study analyzes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a postcolonial lens, highlighting the impact of British colonial legacies and Western media portrayal. It focuses on the persistent marginalization of Palestinians and calls for a reframing that recognizes all parties' humanity.

Paper long abstract:

This study critically explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a postcolonial lens, examining the enduring impact of British colonial legacies and their influence on the region's contemporary dynamics. Central to this analysis is that the challenges faced in Palestine today are direct consequences of historical colonial actions, exacerbated by persistent global power imbalances. Employing Butler's "Frames of War," we scrutinise Western media's portrayal of the conflict, revealing systematic dehumanisation and marginalisation of Palestinian lives. This is complemented by an in-depth application of Nussbaum's concept of dehumanisation to explore the impact of colonial-established global hierarchies. The methodological approach involves a review of historical documents and a Butlerian media framing analysis, providing a nuanced understanding of how Western political and military involvement, shaped by the global status quo influenced the current state of the conflict. The study includes recent events, such as the October 7th, 2023 attacks, highlighting their connection to long-standing historical grievances and systemic oppression. Statistical data, including casualty figures and economic impacts, underscore the humanitarian crisis and the need for a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution. This research contributes to the academic discourse by emphasising the role of Western governments in perpetuating the conflict and advocating for critical reframing. It underscores the necessity of policies that prioritise human rights, justice, and the humanity of all parties involved, particularly the marginalised and oppressed. By addressing the historical and contemporary factors that perpetuate the conflict, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and pave the way for meaningful social and political transformation.