Algorithmic Framing of Conflict: A Comparative Analysis of Google Gemini  and ChatGPT in the Israeli–Palestinian Context

Bassant M. Attia

doi:10.66815/ejecs/2640

Authors

Bassant M. Attia Head of Media department, Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime transport https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6801-4925

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66815/ejecs/2640

Keywords:

Palestine-Israeli conflict, AI representation, Text generated tools, large language models, Gemini, ChatGPT

Abstract

This research examines the response of Google Geminia and ChatGPT to prompts related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by studying how AI technologies may reinforce or deepen existing discriminatory beliefs toward conflict, particularly being discriminatory towards Arabs. By applying a paired-prompt design, where each prompt is presented in two versions—one containing conflict-identifying entities (e.g., "Israel" and "Palestine") and one with these identities removed—this study disentangles moderation-driven refusals (e.g., safety and defamation policies) from representational patterns such as omission, framing, and keyword sensitivity. The research contributes a coding scheme for delivery status and discourse features, integrates ethical considerations for sensitive topics, and contextualizes findings within algorithmic fairness frameworks. The results indicate that Google Gemini had higher refusal rates for conflict-specific prompts than for variants removed. In contrast, ChatGPT generated more content overall but consistently enforced policies on sexual violence and unverified criminal allegations. The implications for AI auditing, responsible development, and culturally sensitive deployment in conflict-affected contexts are enormous.

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Author Biography

Bassant M. Attia, Head of Media department, Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime transport

is an Associate Professor of Media and Communication Studies, with a research profile that spans the domains of television studies, digital media, political communication, and the applications of artificial intelligence in media. Her scholarly work has primarily focused on the representation and portrayal of the Arab region in Western media, as evidenced by her extensive publication record of over 18 peer-reviewed research articles. Currently, Professor Attia serves as Head of the Media Department at the College of Language and Communication, part of the Arab Academy of Science and Technology and Maritime Transport in Egypt. Associate editor of Insights into Language, Culture and Communication (ILCC) journal.

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