Analyzing Conflict Through Data: A Dataset on the Digital Framing of Sheikh Jarrah Evictions

This study empirically investigates the role of social media in tracing the evolution of the May 2021 Israeli-Palestinian crisis, centered on the Sheikh Jarrah evictions. Analyzing a dataset of 370,747 English tweets from 120,173 users from May 9-21, 2021, the research employs a mixed-methods approach combining computational techniques and qualitative content analysis. Findings support the hypothesis that social media interactions reliably map crisis dynamics, as evidenced by hashtags like #SaveSheikhJarrah corresponding to critical shifts, though virality did not correlate with hashtag use. In contrast to prior sentiment-focused studies, the context-driven analysis reveals influencers and state actors shaping polarized narratives along geopolitical lines, with high-profile voices backing Palestinian solidarity while Israeli state accounts endorsed military operations. Evidence of a transcontinental cybercampaign emerged, albeit with limitations due to the English language scope and potential biases from data collection and keyword choices. The study contributes empirical insights into the mediatization of armed conflicts through social media's competing narratives and information flows within the Israeli-Palestinian context. Recommendations for future multilingual, multi-platform analyses are provided to address limitations.