Structural exclusion in peace talks: Gaza’s representation crisis
Original framing: “What’s next for Gaza after Trump’s Board of Peace meets in Washington?” — Al Jazeera
The original framing omits the historical context of U.S. involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the role of settler colonialism, and the perspectives of Palestinian civil society. It also lacks analysis of how peace processes are often shaped by external actors with vested interests, rather than by the people most affected.
Medium structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
This narrative is produced by Al Jazeera for global audiences, framing the event through a critical lens of exclusion. However, the framing may obscure the broader geopolitical interests of the U.S. and its allies in maintaining the status quo. The selective inclusion of voices serves to uphold existing power structures rather than challenge them.
The single Palestinian present at the meeting represents a minuscule fraction of Gaza’s population. The voices of women, youth, and internally displaced persons are entirely absent, despite their critical role in shaping post-conflict recovery and reconciliation.
The exclusion of Palestinian voices from peace negotiations is not an isolated incident but a systemic pattern rooted in colonial legacies and geopolitical interests.
Drawing from cross-cultural peace traditions and peace research, it is evident that sustainable solutions require inclusive, culturally sensitive processes that center the lived experiences of those most affected. Indigenous and marginalized perspectives offer alternative frameworks that emphasize healing and justice over power consolidation. To move forward, international actors must relinquish control and support locally driven peacebuilding efforts, integrating historical accountability and participatory models. Only then can peace in Gaza become a shared and enduring reality.