Between War and Compassion: Humanitarian Diplomacy Narratives in Middle Eastern Media During the Gaza War

Abstract

Humanitarian diplomacy has become a central framework through which states and non-state actors respond to armed conflicts and humanitarian crises. While existing research has examined humanitarian diplomacy primarily from institutional or diplomatic perspectives, limited attention has been paid to how it is mediated and framed by state-funded international broadcasters in the Middle East. This study analyzes how humanitarian diplomacy was represented in four influential state-owned media outlets-TRT World, Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya, and Press TV-during the Gaza War. A total of 370 news items published between June 1 and June 30, 2025 were examined using quantitative content analysis. The findings reveal significant differences in thematic emphasis, particularly regarding civilian protection, humanitarian aid appeals, ceasefire advocacy, and human rights discourse. The results suggest that these media organizations function not merely as channels of information but as strategic actors that shape humanitarian diplomacy narratives in line with broader geopolitical orientations. By foregrounding media’s role in constructing humanitarian diplomacy, this study contributes to the literature on international communication and crisis reporting in the Middle Eastern context.

Keywords

• Humanitarian Diplomacy
• International Communication
• Digital Media Analysis
• Content Analysis
• Media Framing

Supporting Institution

This study was not supported by any institution/organization.

Ethical Statement

This study does not require ethical approval.

Savaş ve Merhamet Arasında Gazze Savaşında Ortadoğu Medyasının İnsani Diplomasi Anlatıları

Abstract

İnsani diplomasi, devletlerin ve devlet dışı aktörlerin silahlı çatışmalara ve insani krizlere verdikleri tepkileri şekillendiren temel yaklaşımlardan biri hâline gelmiştir. Mevcut çalışmalar insani diplomasiyi ağırlıklı olarak kurumsal ve diplomatik boyutlarıyla ele alırken, bu olgunun Orta Doğu’daki devlet destekli uluslararası yayın kuruluşları tarafından nasıl temsil edildiği ve çerçevelendiği sınırlı ölçüde incelenmiştir. Bu çalışma, Gazze Savaşı sürecinde dört etkili devlet destekli medya kuruluşu olan TRT World, Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya ve Press TV’nin insani diplomasi söylemini nasıl temsil ettiğini analiz etmektedir. Bu kapsamda, 1 Haziran–30 Haziran 2025 tarihleri arasında yayımlanan toplam 370 haber, nicel içerik analizi yöntemiyle incelenmiştir. Bulgular, özellikle sivillerin korunması, insani yardım çağrıları, ateşkes girişimleri ve insan hakları söylemi açısından medya kuruluşları arasında belirgin tematik farklılıklar bulunduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Elde edilen sonuçlar, bu medya kuruluşlarının yalnızca bilgi aktaran platformlar olmadığını; aynı zamanda daha geniş jeopolitik yönelimler doğrultusunda insani diplomasi anlatılarını şekillendiren stratejik aktörler olarak işlev gördüklerini göstermektedir. Medyanın insani diplomasinin inşasındaki rolünü ortaya koyan bu çalışma, Orta Doğu bağlamında uluslararası iletişim ve kriz haberciliği literatürüne katkı sağlamaktadır.

Keywords

• İnsani Diplomasi
• Uluslararası İletişim
• Dijital Medya Analizi
• İçerik Analizi
• Medya Çerçevelemesi.

Supporting Institution

Bu çalışmada herhangi bir kurum/kuruluştan destek alınmamıştır.

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma etik kurul izni gerektirmemektedir.

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