Turdybek B.2026-04-142026-04-142026Turdybek B / Palestine Through the Central Asian Lens: Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan’s Independent Media Narratives of the Gaza War (2023-2026) / SDU University / SDU Journal of Media Studies 2026/1 (4)https://repository.sdu.edu.kz/handle/123456789/2623The October 2023 escalation of the war between Israel and Palestine led to a long-term controversy at the humanitarian and strategic level in the regions, such as Central Asia. This article focuses on the coverage and assessment of the stance of independent media outlets in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan regarding their position on the Gaza war from October 2023 to February 2026. The government’s position is being dealt with as a mediated object through framing instead of being a fixed diplomatic statement. The study is based on qualitative comparative analysis of the texts from three media sources in Kazakhstan (Ulysmedia, Orda, Radio Azattyq) and three in Kyrgyzstan (Radio Azattyk, 24.kg, AKIpress), obtained by keyword searching and screened for substantive reference to official positioning. Items were coded in terms of valence [positive/neutral/negative portrayal] and for the predominant narrative moves, i.e. legality and United Nations norms, humanitarian protection, security discourse, and procedural legitimacy. Findings indicate convergences in narratives of the formal diplomatic contents: both states are told through ceasefire calls, civilian protection, international law, and a two-state solution. Differences lie in emphasis. Kazakhstani coverage justifies its stance using governance and diplomacy, and Radio Azattyq prioritizes procedure around sustainable commitments. Kyrgyz media emphasize solidarity and humanitarian mobilization, while Azattyk highlights sharper moralslegal language and cues of accountability. Overall, the study illuminates domestication of war by looking at how Central Asian discourse presents war and reveals the influence of narration in the genesis of perceived legitimacy of foreign policy.enmedia framingconflict narrativeswar in Gaza Stripforeign policy communicationArticle