Pro-Islamic State (IS) supporters have been responding to the Israel-Hamas conflict, expressing their views and opinions on various online platforms [e1122c37]. These responses highlight the contentious dynamic between IS and Hamas, countering misconceptions that the two groups are the same. IS supporters have shared news updates, videos, and photos related to the conflict, often incorporating antisemitic narratives and calling for violence against Jewish people [e1122c37]. Some supporters have celebrated Hamas's violence, while others have viewed the conflict as a sign of the end-times [e1122c37]. IS supporters have criticized and rejected Hamas, highlighting their differences in ideology and practices [e1122c37]. Some supporters have expressed indifference to civilian suffering in Gaza, while others have emphasized the importance of caring for Muslims everywhere [e1122c37]. It is important to accurately analyze the rivalries between IS and Hamas and avoid invoking IS when describing the brutality of other terrorist organizations. Extremist groups thrive on mis/disinformation, so it is crucial to employ due diligence and avoid amplifying dangerous narratives [e1122c37].
Hamas has been using propaganda videos to shape the narrative of the conflict between Israel and Palestine [4564b994]. The videos aim to humanize Hamas fighters and portray them as humane and respectful of Islamic laws of war. However, the videos have been counterproductive, making the fighters appear monstrous. The videos have also convinced many Arabs that Hamas is heroic and has resonated throughout the Arab world [4564b994]. The propaganda war has rallied sympathy for Gaza's residents and strengthened Hamas's story of resistance. Arab networks like Al Jazeera have played a significant role in disseminating images of the devastation caused by Israeli air strikes and have joined Hamas in carrying extensive footage of suffering and carnage in Gaza. The networks have also shifted their narrative to refer to the Israeli action as a 'war on Gaza.' Hamas's propaganda has been successful in winning the support of Palestinians and Arabs, who see it as a response to years of Israeli repression. Arab leaders are becoming more reluctant to criticize Hamas due to the shifting public opinion. Israeli and American talk of destroying Hamas is playing into the group's hands and tying Washington to the losing side of the propaganda war [4564b994].