Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies

Dehumanization in the War on Gaza

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Sajad Minadi

PhD in International Relations, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/wsps.2025.387424.1487
Abstract
Israel's radical policy in the War on Gaza is dehumanizing and absolutely contrary to international norms and standards. Dehumanization refers to the deprivation of humans and other groups of all their basic rights. This article argues that Zionist discourse has enabled Israel's radical policy through the reproduction of dehumanizing narratives. Such narratives are influenced by Western anthropological perspective, which values Western lives more highly than non-Western ones. Zionist discourse enables such radical policy for Israel by reproducing narratives such as Legitimizing Self and Delegitimizing the Other, Denial of Coevalness, Viewing the Other as an Object, Representation of a Superior Extended "We", and Belonging to a Different Place. This radical policy includes elements such as diplomatic weakness, voluntarism, disproportionality between capabilities and actions, maximalism, and reactive behavior. This policy has deviated from realist elements such as prioritizing diplomacy to secure national interests, avoiding risk-centered approaches, respecting the vital interests of others, and operating within the framework of power. Using discourse analysis methodology and examining texts reproduced by Israeli officials and leaders, this article seeks to explain Israel's dehumanizing narratives and radical policy in the War on Gaza.
 

Keywords

Dehumanization
Gaza Strip
Narrative
Radical Policy
Value of Human Life
Zionist Discourse
Subjects
Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 26 May 2025

  • Receive Date 22 December 2024
  • Revise Date 01 May 2025
  • Accept Date 26 May 2025

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