Egyptian Youth Exposure to SMIs’ Content after the 2023 War on Gaza and Their Awareness of the Palestinian Issue

The Palestinian Issue is a crucial one for at least two reasons. First, because of the religious and spiritual importance of the land of Palestine, especially Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and Al-Aqsa Mosque, to Arabs and Muslims. Second, because it is the longest occupation in modern history. Considering this long period of conflict and the recent 2023 War on Gaza (WoG 2023), it is mandatory to investigate public awareness of the Palestinian Issue. This research aims to examine the role of new media players, i.e., social media influencers (SMIs henceforward) in building public awareness and shaping their opinion towards this issue, especially among new generations, i.e., Generation Z (Gen-Z henceforth) in Egypt. This research used a quantitative research design. An online survey was distributed among Egyptian youth aged (18-40) years old for a month-long from 14^th December to 14^th January 2023. Convenience sampling was used to collect research data utilising Google Form, in which the snowball-sampling technique was used. The total sample size is 419. The statically analysed data revealed that 49.4% of respondents follow SMIs’ on a daily basis, while 37% follow them intermittently more than once a week. Furthermore, the results yielded a positive correlation (p < 0.05) between respondents’ exposure to SMIs content and their awareness of the Palestinian Issue post the 2023 WoG. Regression analysis revealed a model fit that explains 31.2% of respondents’ awareness of the Palestinian Issue. A longitudinal study may reveal how this awareness is shaped in a time of no conflict.