China Revamps Military Forces and the Shifting Information Warfare in Gaza Conflict

### China Overhauls Military Forces, Israel’s Global Support Wanes Amid Gaza Conflict
In a significant military reorganization, China has disbanded its Strategic Support Force, established in December 2015, to form three new entities: an independent Cyberspace force, Aerospace force, and a novel Information Support Force (ISF). The creation of the ISF, personally overseen by Xi Jinping, underscores China’s emphasis on information dominance in modern warfare, a strategy evident in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
For decades, global opinion has largely supported Israel in its suppression of Gaza. This support was initially reinforced at the outbreak of the recent conflict on October 7, when Israel effectively utilized information warfare to depict Hamas’ attack as heinous, gaining worldwide backing for its retaliatory measures. However, as the war progressed, the narrative shifted dramatically due to the emerging images and reports of Gaza’s devastation and the high civilian toll, particularly among women and children, challenging Israel’s position in the information war.
Media outlets globally have reported on the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 36,000 Gazans reportedly killed and infrastructure including hospitals collapsing under the strain of the conflict. Criticism has mounted against Israel, with its actions leading to a significant shift in global sentiment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s steadfast commitment to defeating Hamas, despite international perceptions and internal pressures, has further jeopardized Israel’s standing on the global stage.
The US, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, has found its support wavering in the face of widespread protests and political repercussions, highlighting the growing divide in global opinion. International efforts for a ceasefire and increasing recognition of Palestine as a state further illustrate Israel’s declining support. Accusations of genocide against Israel mark a stark reversal from the initial condemnation of Hamas, with Israel now facing potential generational damage to its reputation, as noted by a US State Department memo and comments from figures including Donald Trump and President Biden. Criticism from international bodies like the ICC and ICJ adds to the mounting challenges for Israel, emphasizing the profound impact of information warfare and public opinion in shaping the outcomes of modern conflicts.
Authored by Major General (Retd) Harsha Kakar, this analysis sheds light on the pivotal role of information superiority and the shifting dynamics of global support in the context of the Gaza conflict and beyond.