Media Shadows in the Israel-Hamas War in the Gaza Strip: Comments of Yasuhide Nakayama, Coordinator of the Shinzo Abe Initiative

Nov 13, 2023Global Alliance for Digital Governance

Regardless, the terrorist attacks on innocent civilians in Israel by Hamas on October 7th were more brutal than reported and highly problematic. On the other hand, the reporting and social media coverage of these heinous attacks by Hamas terrorists were sugar-coated, leaving many unaware of what really happened. Instead of criticizing Hamas, a terrorist organization recognized by the U.S. government, there’s a growing criticism of the Israeli government. This shift is leading to increased discrimination and hate towards Jewish people worldwide, which I find extremely troubling. Even on the internet, like YouTube, videos of Adolf Hitler’s initial speeches when he established Nazi Germany during World War II randomly pop up. In addition to real-world wars, the internet has become a battlefield, spawning a new kind of warfare. Fake news is terrifying. The use of AI-generated videos, even in live streaming, can mislead people, causing confusion, altering thoughts and perceptions, instilling fear, and ultimately inciting violent behavior. This vicious cycle is unsightly, but people have become accustomed to exposing their darker side online. This development divides people into categories: those who grow mentally stronger, those who become weaker, and those who turn to hate and violence. Politics must encompass all these issues. In an era where technology easily manipulates people’s minds, the challenge becomes how to implement education based on culture. Alongside this, physical education, as it is said, “a healthy soul dwells in a healthy body,” becomes increasingly important. Should education focus solely on academic scores? Living in modern Japan, I worry that my fellow Japanese, though peaceful, are overly complacent. After COVID-19, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began, and as you know, a major war has now started in the Middle East. China’s leadership might consider advancing on Taiwan. North Korea may take more aggressive actions, and Russia might act against the Far East. The India-Pakistan conflict could reignite. Considering these potential flashpoints, it wouldn’t be surprising if a Third World War were to break out. Considering these views, I would like to explore how we can approach commitments to issues, including those in the Middle East, moving forward. This contemplation is essential in understanding and addressing the complex dynamics of global politics and conflicts.