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Three Palestinian Identities Seen on Social Networks

(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Udi Dekel and Orit Perlov - An estimated one-third of Palestinian society today are active users of social networks on the Internet. Although there is a common Palestinian identity, the geographic separation between Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem is echoed by differences in lifestyle, outlook, and ideology. Gaza is oriented toward Egypt and influenced by events there. The Arab residents of east Jerusalem conduct themselves in an Israeli context and are influenced by the discourse among Israeli Arabs, taking little interest in the discourse in the West Bank and Gaza. In the West Bank, the Arabs are influenced by what is happening in Jordan. The three entities are united by their rejection of the existing leadership, concern about rising prices, and an unwillingness to compromise on the "right of return." The main discussion on Palestinian social networking sites is not focused on the resumption of the peace process, rather on the daily fundamental problems of the population. There is almost no discussion on the social media about violent resistance or calls for terrorist activity against Israel.
2013-08-16 00:00:00
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