Religious Conflict Between Israeli and Hamas: Naming of Weapons and Battles

Abstract

This research underscores the critical role of language representations in warfare, showing how naming can be a robust instrument in psychological war and narrative construction. The paper analyzes the naming practices for weaponry and battles in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, stressing the extensive use of religious and ideological symbolism by both parties. Tracking the historical and cultural contexts behind these conventions, the researchers highlight the great impact of naming on the conflict as a whole. Studying the various names given to weapons and wars, the paper unveils the deeply-rooted religious ideologies and political discourse used by Israel and Hamas. The findings reveal that naming conventions are not random, rather they are strategic tools that aim at legitimizing and obtaining support, as well as reflecting the conflict's sociopolitical dimensions. The study also found that naming practices contributes to constructing identities and justifying actions in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, illustrating the interaction of physical and symbolic elements in military and ideological strategies. In conclusion, the study provides a new perspective on the interdependent relationship between language, history, religion, and warfare.