Were a majority of the Gazan journalists killed since October 7th, 2023 linked to terrorist organizations?

I will examine reports from multiple sources on journalists killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, and any documented affiliations.Gathering more details from the key reports and counter-perspectives.Yes, according to detailed analyses by Israeli intelligence researchers and the IDF, a majority (around 60% or more) of those identified as Gazan journalists or media workers killed since October 7, 2023, had links to terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).[1]

The primary source for this conclusion is a December 2025 study by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC), which examined 266 individuals reported as journalists or media workers killed in Gaza between October 7, 2023, and November 30, 2025 (drawing from lists by the Hamas-run Gaza Government Media Office and other reports). It found that at least 157 (roughly 60%) were members of terrorist groups or clearly affiliated with them—primarily 104 linked to Hamas (including at least 47 in its military wing) and 45 to PIJ (including at least 18 confirmed operatives). Smaller numbers were tied to groups like the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Fatah’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, or Popular Resistance Committees.[2]

Affiliations were determined via open-source material (Arabic-language reports, social media), employment by terror-group media outlets (e.g., Hamas’s Al-Aqsa TV/Radio or PIJ-affiliated stations, which function as propaganda arms), and seized Hamas documents. The study highlights a widespread “dual identity” phenomenon: many served simultaneously as media workers/propagandists and armed operatives or intelligence gatherers. Some allegedly received advance notice of the October 7 attacks and covered them from inside Israel. It also notes coordination with outlets like Al Jazeera, including cases of correspondents identified as Hamas battalion members.[1]

The IDF has separately stated that at least 170 Gazans presented as journalists/media personnel killed in the war were actually members of the military wings of Hamas, PIJ, or related groups. This is based on recovered personnel records, organizational publications (including post-death obituaries by the groups themselves identifying them as operatives), photos (e.g., individuals with both cameras and weapons), and other intelligence. Some had worked as stringers or freelancers for international outlets (Reuters, AFP, CNN, BBC, AP, Al Jazeera, etc.) while holding roles as snipers, commanders, trainers, or propagandists; a portion allegedly participated in the October 7 massacre. The IDF has released names, roles, and supporting materials.[3]

Earlier ITIC analyses (e.g., of the first ~80–130 names) found similar rates of ~55–60% affiliation. Hamas and PIJ have themselves confirmed some dual roles through martyrdom announcements.[4]

Context from press freedom groups and caveats

Organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have reported higher totals of journalists/media workers killed in Gaza (CPJ figures have been in the range of ~190–250+ Palestinians overall, with revisions). They primarily attribute deaths to Israeli actions, criticize restricted foreign media access to Gaza, and argue that journalists retain civilian protections under international humanitarian law (IHL) unless directly participating in hostilities. Affiliation or work for a non-state actor’s media does not automatically make someone a combatant.[5]

CPJ has conducted reviews and removed dozens of names (including confirmed Hamas/PIJ combatants or those who participated in fighting, plus some non-journalists), after evidence emerged—including from the groups’ own obituaries. Critics (e.g., media watchdogs) contend that even post-review lists retain a high percentage with documented terror ties, and that initial inclusions inflated figures by accepting Hamas-provided lists with limited independent verification. CPJ maintains it applies consistent standards and does not remove based solely on affiliation or political views.[6]

Key distinctions and realities in Gaza:

In short, the best-documented, evidence-based examinations of the lists of killed Gazan “journalists” conclude that a majority had verifiable links to designated terrorist organizations, often as members, military operatives, or employees of their media arms. This does not mean every individual was an active fighter at the moment of death or that Israel systematically targets the press, but it substantially undercuts narratives that treat all as unaffiliated civilian reporters.