Terrorism Denial: The War On Memory Continues

The phenomenon of terrorism denial, particularly in the context of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, is a multifaceted issue that parallels the denial of other historical atrocities such as the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide. Terrorism denial involves negating or diminishing the occurrence and impact of terrorist acts. Hamas, affiliated groups, supporting countries that promote antisemitism, and radical Hamas-supporting activists worldwide are very disappointed by the recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report confirming the atrocities committed by Hamas. The HRW report is titled: “I Can’t Erase All the Blood from My Mind” – Palestinian Armed Groups’ October 7 Assault on Israel. This denial mirrors the denial of other historical atrocities, presenting significant implications for societal understanding, global security, and counter-terrorism strategies. The October 7 Hamas attack on Israel serves as a critical case study for examining terrorism denial, as the event was heavily documented online, yet quickly subject to denial and misinformation campaigns.

Hamas and its affiliates initially disseminated footage of their actions to inspire radicalization and instill fear but quickly began downplaying or outright denying their involvement. This dual strategy aimed to present Hamas as legitimate resistance fighters, manipulate narratives, and evade international condemnation.

The primary motivation for terrorism denial among Hamas and its supporters is rooted in ideological commitment and the need to maintain legitimacy. By denying their actions, they attempt to present themselves as legitimate resistance fighters rather than terrorists. This narrative manipulation helps them evade international condemnation and potential punitive measures, while also undermining the credibility and legitimacy of their opponents, particularly Israel.

Hamas supporters and radical anti-Zionist activists engage in denial due to ideological commitment, antisemitic conspiracy theories, and susceptibility to disinformation campaigns. These individuals view Hamas as a legitimate resistance movement, making it difficult for them to acknowledge actions that contradict their narrative of resistance and victimhood.

Terrorism denial involves several mechanisms, including challenging the accuracy of reported death tolls, questioning the intentionality behind violent actions, and disputing the credibility of evidence and eyewitness testimony. These strategies aim to create doubt and confusion, portraying violent actions as justified responses to perceived threats.

For instance, Hamas-affiliated groups and supporters use social media platforms and secure messaging applications to spread misinformation and antisemitic conspiracy theories. Posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram channels affiliated with Hamas deny the 7/10 attack and propagate narratives that blame Israel for the violence.

Denial of atrocities is not unique to terrorism; it has been a common response to other historical genocides and mass atrocities. Holocaust denial, for example, involves outright denial of the events, minimization of the number of victims, and antisemitic conspiracy theories suggesting the Holocaust was exaggerated or fabricated for political purposes.

Similarly, the denial of the Armenian Genocide involves rejecting the characterization of the mass killings of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as genocide, despite overwhelming historical evidence. This denial serves to absolve the perpetrators, shift blame, and manipulate historical narratives.

The motivations behind denial, whether of terrorism or historical atrocities, often stem from a desire to maintain legitimacy, evade condemnation, and shape public perception. In the case of the Hamas attack, the terrorist group and its affiliates quickly pivoted from initially disseminating footage of their actions to denying or downplaying their involvement. This strategy mirrors the tactics employed by Holocaust deniers, who seek to rehabilitate Nazi ideology and promote antisemitism, as well as those who deny the Armenian Genocide to avoid reparations and maintain a particular national image.

The denial of terrorism has profound and far-reaching consequences. It distorts historical facts, fuels antisemitism, and emboldens hate groups. By creating doubt and confusion, denial undermines democratic values and social cohesion, making it more difficult for societies to address and counteract terrorism effectively.

Moreover, the denial of sexual violence committed during terrorist attacks has significant implications for the victims. It exacerbates their trauma, impedes access to justice and necessary medical and psychological support, and leads to further isolation and marginalization.

The relationship between terrorism and media is symbiotic. Terrorists use media to amplify their message, incite fear, and recruit followers. Social media platforms have revolutionized how terrorist propaganda is disseminated, allowing terrorists to reach a global audience and making their acts more impactful.

For instance, during the October 7 attack, Hamas used Telegram channels to disseminate footage of their actions, while simultaneously denying their involvement through other channels. This dual strategy of promotion and denial is designed to harness the benefits of their violent actions for internal and sympathetic external audiences while mitigating the negative repercussions in the broader international arena.

International media plays a critical role in either countering or perpetuating terrorism denial. Biased reporting, selective coverage, and the failure to challenge false narratives can contribute to the spread of denial. Conversely, rigorous and unbiased journalism is essential in exposing the truth and holding perpetrators accountable.

For example, some international media outlets and social media users have propagated narratives that deny the scale of the October 7 attack or blame Israel for the violence. These narratives often involve antisemitic conspiracy theories and attempts to shift blame onto the victims.

Understanding and addressing terrorism denial is crucial for policymakers, educators, and the global community. By recognizing the motivations and mechanisms behind denial, we can develop more effective strategies to counteract terrorism and its pernicious effects, including the promotion of antisemitism and the undermining of social cohesion.

The case of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of terrorism denial. By examining this phenomenon, we can better understand the broader implications of denial for global security and counter-terrorism efforts. In an era of rapid information dissemination, it is imperative to remain vigilant against disinformation and uphold the truth in the face of denial.