Hamas journalist eliminated for promoting violence during Gaza events

In Gaza, on October 7, 2023, Hassan Abdel Fattah Mohammed Eslaih, a member of Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade, was eliminated by the IDF. Eslaih was known for posing as a journalist while secretly being involved in the Hamas terrorist organization. He recorded and shared footage of violent acts and atrocities committed during this period. Being affiliated with major news organizations such as CNN and The Associated Press, Eslaih's work drew significant attention and controversy. Iranian news agency Mehr referred to him as 'Israel's nightmare' due to his relentless reporting from Gaza. In addition to Eslaih's elimination, the parents of five victims of the Nova festival massacre have filed a lawsuit against The Associated Press. They allege that employing journalists like Eslaih, who they claim were participants in the massacre by posting real-time photos of the events, is unjust. The parents are seeking around NIS 25 million, or $6.5 million, in damages, asserting that the employed journalists' actions during the events were complicit in the violence. Such claims further complicate the already controversial relationship between media organizations and their staff in conflict zones. Further scrutiny fell upon journalists Ashraf Amra and Abu Mostafa, who have previously worked with Reuters and AP. Amra was seen viewing disturbing footage of an IDF soldier being lynched, expressing joy in discussing the sordid details of the incident. Mostafa reportedly provided commentary on observing kidnappings and atrocities in real-time while expressing enthusiasm for the violence. Their actions and remarks underscore a troubling trend of journalists who, instead of remaining detached and objective, appear to revel in the chaos and brutality unfolding around them. The situation raises pressing questions about the ethics and standards of journalism in conflict zones, especially when journalists are accused of siding with one party in an ongoing conflict. The allegations against these journalists may prompt a reevaluation of hiring practices within major news organizations when it comes to war zones. As these events unfold, the accountability of media organizations in such sensitive circumstances remains a critical and unresolved issue.