Inside Hamas’ propaganda machine: cartoons, blacklists and covert operatives

ynetnews.com·Nina Fox
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Noticeable — persuasion techniques worth noting

This article wants you to believe Hamas is a sophisticated 'terrorist organization' using psychological operations and propaganda to fight Israel. It does this by repeatedly calling them that while also citing documents from an intelligence center to make its claims seem authoritative. The article focuses heavily on Hamas' tactics, but doesn't mention similar activities from others in the conflict, or what might motivate Hamas' choices, which makes their actions seem purely malicious.

FATE Analysis

Four dimensions of psychological manipulation: how content captures Focus, exploits Authority, triggers Tribal identity, and engineers Emotion.

Focus4/10Authority5/10Tribe3/10Emotion3/10
FFocus
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AAuthority
0/10
TTribe
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EEmotion
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Focus signals

unprecedented framing
"Research based on files captured in Gaza details Hamas media plans before the war, including blacklists of normalization supporters, paid social media campaigns and psychological warfare led by a close Sinwar aide"

The opening sentence frames the information as stemming from 'files captured in Gaza,' implying direct, privileged, and potentially new insight not previously available. The detailed list of findings immediately highlights the 'unprecedented' access to internal documents.

novelty spike
"offers a rare look at Hamas’ influence strategy."

This phrase explicitly states that the information provides a 'rare look,' emphasizing the novelty and unique access to the inner workings of Hamas's strategy, thereby spiking reader interest and attention.

attention capture
"According to the study, the document was part of a multiyear framework known as “Sword of Jerusalem” and served as a guiding blueprint for Hamas-affiliated media outlets."

The mention of a named strategic framework, 'Sword of Jerusalem,' gives a specific, almost cinematic, detail that captures attention as a new piece of information about Hamas's long-term planning.

Authority signals

institutional authority
"The research, published by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, examines internal Hamas files captured in the Gaza Strip."

This leverages the name of a specific intelligence and terrorism information center to lend credibility and institutional weight to the findings, implying a rigorous and expert analysis.

expert appeal
"The study concludes that the combination of traditional propaganda, modern digital engagement and targeted paid advertising reflects a multilayered strategy designed to penetrate Israeli discourse on several levels simultaneously."

The 'study concludes' phrase presents the findings not just as observations, but as authoritative conclusions derived from expert analysis. The use of terms like 'multilayered strategy' and 'penetrate discourse' also implies a sophisticated understanding of psychological operations.

Tribe signals

us vs them
"It also calls for psychological operations designed to undermine Israeli society and other rivals, counter normalization efforts, promote comprehensive boycotts and build regional and international networks supportive of the Palestinian cause."

While reporting on Hamas's strategy, the phrasing inherently highlights an 'us vs. them' dynamic by detailing Hamas's efforts against 'Israeli society and other rivals' and 'counter normalization efforts.' The reader is implicitly positioned on one side of this conflict.

identity weaponization
"Under a section titled “Confronting normalization projects and activating a comprehensive boycott of the enemy,” the document calls for recruiting writers and journalists to oppose normalization, urging Arab and Muslim media figures to declare boycotts, organizing digital campaigns against normalization efforts and preparing “blacklists” of those accused of normalizing ties, alongside “honor lists” of those who oppose it."

This describes Hamas's strategy of creating 'blacklists' and 'honor lists' based on support or opposition to normalization. While reporting on Hamas's actions, the article implicitly frames the issue in terms of tribal loyalty (loyalty to a cause vs. perceived betrayal through normalization), which is a core aspect of identity weaponization.

Emotion signals

urgency
"The struggle against normalization with Israel was identified as a central front in Hamas’ media strategy."

Labeling the 'struggle against normalization' as a 'central front' introduces a sense of ongoing conflict and urgency, implying that this is a critical battleground where stakes are high.

fear engineering
"Under a project titled “Strengthening media psychological warfare against rivals and enemies,” the group outlined tools aimed at sowing demoralization and weakening Israeli society."

The description of Hamas's intention to 'sow demoralization and weaken Israeli society' can evoke a sense of concern or fear in readers, as it highlights a direct hostile intent against a societal group.

Narrative Analysis (PCP)

How the article reshapes thinking: Perception (what beliefs are targeted), Context (what information is shifted or omitted), and Permission (what behavior is being encouraged).

What it wants you to believe

The article aims to instill the belief that Hamas is a sophisticated, well-funded, and strategically calculating 'terrorist organization' that uses psychological operations and propaganda as a central part of its 'struggle against Israel.' It wants the reader to believe that Hamas's media activities are not spontaneous or reactive, but rather a deliberate, multi-layered influence campaign designed to manipulate international and local perceptions, undermine Israeli society, and prevent 'normalization'.

Context being shifted

The article establishes a context where any media output from Hamas or its affiliated entities is not to be interpreted at face value, but rather as evidence of a pre-planned 'communications and influence network' driven by strategic 'psychological warfare.' This makes any content aligned with Hamas's objectives feel like a product of manipulation, rather than a genuine expression of views or reporting.

What it omits

The article describes 'Hamas media plans' and 'psychological warfare' without providing reciprocal context about similar activities from other actors in the conflict, or the broader information warfare landscape. The omission of the context in which these 'blacklists' and 'boycotts' operate (i.e., specific reasons for opposition to 'normalization,' or the historical and political grievances fueling resistance) makes these actions appear solely as malicious 'propaganda' rather than potentially defensive or strategic political moves within a larger conflict.

Desired behavior

The article nudges the reader to adopt a skeptical and distrustful stance towards any media or narrative that aligns with Hamas's stated objectives, viewing it as a product of 'psychological warfare' rather than possibly legitimate commentary or reporting. It implicitly encourages dismissing such narratives as mere propaganda designed to deceive. It may also encourage support for initiatives that counter these perceived psychological operations.

SMRP Pattern

Four manipulation maintenance tactics: Socializing the idea as normal, Minimizing concerns, Rationalizing with logic, and Projecting blame.

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Socializing
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Minimizing
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Rationalizing
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Projecting

Red Flags

High-severity indicators: silencing dissent, coordinated messaging, or weaponizing identity to shut down debate.

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Silencing indicator
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Controlled release (spokesperson test)

"The research, published by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, examines internal Hamas files captured in the Gaza Strip. It outlines how the terrorist organization planned and operated a broad communications and influence network as an integral part of its struggle against Israel, even before the current war."

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Identity weaponization

Techniques Found(9)

Specific propaganda techniques identified using the SemEval-2023 academic taxonomy of 23 techniques across 6 categories.

Loaded LanguageManipulative Wording
"terrorist organization"

The term 'terrorist organization' is used to evoke a strong negative emotional response and pre-frame Hamas in a specific, condemning light.

Name Calling/LabelingAttack on Reputation
"terrorist organization"

Labeling Hamas as a 'terrorist organization' serves to discredit and dehumanize the group, rather than simply identifying them.

Loaded LanguageManipulative Wording
"psychological warfare"

The phrase 'psychological warfare' carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting manipulation and aggression, rather than neutral terms like 'influence campaigns' or 'narrative shaping'.

Loaded LanguageManipulative Wording
"undermine Israeli society"

The word 'undermine' suggests malicious intent and a destructive agenda, framing Hamas's actions negatively.

Loaded LanguageManipulative Wording
"sowing demoralization"

The phrase 'sowing demoralization' has a negative, insidious connotation, implying an intent to weaken and distress, rather than simply influencing opinion.

Loaded LanguageManipulative Wording
"alleged Israeli 'failures'"

The word 'alleged' is used to cast doubt on the claims of Israeli failures, suggesting they are untrue or unproven, even when simply reporting on Hamas's stated strategies.

Loaded LanguageManipulative Wording
"accused of maintaining ties with Israel"

The word 'accused' implies wrongdoing and guilt, framing the act of maintaining ties with Israel as inherently negative, echoing Hamas's perspective without explicitly attributing the judgment.

Loaded LanguageManipulative Wording
"accused of normalizing ties"

Similar to the above, 'accused' carries a negative imputation, suggesting a crime or wrongdoing in the act of normalization.

Loaded LanguageManipulative Wording
"terrorist activity"

Using the term 'terrorist activity' rather than a more neutral description of actions frames al-Amoudi's past actions in a highly negative and condemnatory light.

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