Semiotics of Press Photography in the First Phase of the Palestinian-Israeli Prisoner Exchange in 2025 on Arab and Foreign Newspaper Websites: A Semiological Study

Kamel, Mohamed

doi:10.21608/jsb.2025.405411.1955

Semiotics of Press Photography in the First Phase of the Palestinian-Israeli Prisoner Exchange in 2025 on Arab and Foreign Newspaper Websites: A Semiological Study

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Mohamed Kamel

جامعة الأزهر

10.21608/jsb.2025.405411.1955

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the semiotics of press photographs published on the news websites of Arab and foreign newspapers during the first phase of the Palestinian-Israeli prisoner exchange between January 19 and March 1, 2025. The research employed the methods of media survey and comparative analysis, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It applied semiological analysis through Roland Barthes’ framework (denotation – connotation – myth) and Martine Joly’s approach to visual analysis. The study sample consisted of four news websites representing Arab and foreign newspapers: Al-Ahram, Asharq Al-Awsat, The New York Times, and The Guardian. The theoretical framework combined semiotics with framing theory.
The findings revealed that press photographs were not merely documentary tools; rather, they became strategic instruments for producing contradictory messages. Palestinian prisoners were visually represented as “collective heroes” welcomed by crowds, flags, and victory signs—transforming the real event into a national myth of “resistance and dignity.” In contrast, Israeli prisoners were portrayed as “human victims,” in emotionally charged scenes (embraces, tears), serving a dual discourse: humanitarian—to elicit international sympathy, and political—to restore the image of the Israeli government domestically.
Furthermore, the results showed that Arab newspapers emphasized the political and collective dimension, while foreign newspapers highlighted the individual and humanitarian dimension. Both Hamas and Israel instrumentalized the photographs as propaganda tools: Hamas to reinforce its control and dominance, and Israel to project its humanity and protection of citizens. Thus, press photographs emerged as a symbolic battlefield parallel to the military and negotiation fronts.

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