The discourse of Palestinian displacement in the artificial intelligence era: A multimodal discourse analysis of AI-generated videos

Abstract

This study examines two AI-generated videos—“Trump Gaza” and its counter-video, “Gaza is Ours”—through the lens of Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA), using Kress and Van Leeuwen's visual social semiotics framework. It explores how visual and auditory elements contribute to meaning-making in both videos and uncovers the predominant themes they convey. The findings highlight the persuasive power of AI-generated content in shaping narratives and exposing underlying ideologies during times of conflict. AI can thus be weaponized to control political discourse. While “Trump Gaza” seeks to manipulate viewers and promote Trump's displacement agenda, “Gaza is Ours” resists this narrative by rejecting forced displacement, mobilizing support, fostering solidarity, and challenging manipulation. Hence, AI can also serve as a tool of resistance against dominant colonial narratives of displacement.

Keywords

Artificial intelligence deepfake MDA Gaza Palestine displacement digital resistance

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