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

Yes, according to detailed investigations by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC) and the IDF, a majority of those identified as Gazan journalists or media workers killed since October 7, 2023, had links to terrorist organizations (primarily Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad/PIJ).[1][2]

Key Findings from Studies and IDF

•ITIC study (December 2025): Examined 266 individuals reported as journalists or media workers killed between October 7, 2023, and November 30, 2025 (drawing from Hamas-run Gaza Government Media Office lists and other reports). At least 157 (~60%) were members of or affiliated with terrorist organizations. This included 104 linked to Hamas (at least 47 as members/military operatives) and 45 to PIJ (at least 18 confirmed operatives/members). Smaller numbers tied to groups like Fatah’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, PFLP, DFLP, or Popular Resistance Committees. Affiliation criteria covered clear membership/military roles or employment by group-affiliated media outlets. An earlier ITIC review (of ~131 names up to early 2024) found a similar ~55-60% rate.[1][3][4]

•IDF claims (October 2026 “Press Files”): Identified at least 170 killed individuals previously presented as journalists/media personnel who were military wing members/operatives of Hamas (118), PIJ (49), or smaller groups. Roles included snipers, commanders, trainers, engineers, propaganda/combat info units; 17 allegedly participated in the October 7 attacks. Evidence cited includes seized terrorist organization documents/personnel records (with military IDs), the groups’ own martyrdom posters/obituaries claiming them as fighters, photos (e.g., with weapons alongside press gear), and open-source material. Some had worked as stringers/contributors for international outlets (Reuters, AFP, AP, CNN, BBC, etc.) or local/Hamas-linked ones. The IDF argues this shows it targets combatants, not protected civilians/journalists.[5][6][5]

These findings align with earlier analyses (e.g., of CPJ lists showing ~55% affiliations in early 2024 samples) and note a pattern of “dual identity,” where media roles (especially propaganda) overlap with operational ones. Hamas and affiliates run significant media infrastructure in Gaza and view it as part of their “battle for consciousness.” Some Al Jazeera figures were specifically linked via documents.[1]

Totals and Counter-Perspectives from Press Freedom Groups

Reported totals of killed Gazan “journalists/media workers” vary widely by source and definition (Hamas GIO/Palestinian Journalists Syndicate: ~260+; broader claims 220–266):

•CPJ: After reviews (prompted in part by terror group obituaries and other evidence), it has removed dozens (e.g., net ~27–36 by mid/late 2026, including ~19–22 for combatant/militant status or non-journalist confirmation). Updated criteria exclude active membership in military arms of state/non-state actors. Remaining Palestinian deaths in Gaza attributed mostly to Israeli forces stand around 189–210 (figures fluctuate with updates; overall conflict-related higher including other areas). CPJ emphasizes functional journalism over mere affiliation/views and has criticized some Israeli claims as insufficiently evidenced “smears,” while confirming some dual roles. Partial overlap with IDF list (~78 names per one report); many on each list do not appear on the other.[7][8][9]

•RSF: Stricter focus on those killed in the line of duty/work-related. Lower confirmed figures (e.g., dozens to low hundreds claimed overall for Gaza; has removed some for combatant ties). It condemns Israeli actions (including alleged targeting), notes high risks, and has been skeptical of broad IDF lists, stating some allegations lack new verifiable proof after checks. It has also noted Hamas threats against critical Gazan journalists.[10][11]

France 24 analysis of the IDF’s 170 found ~37 had been removed from at least one major monitor’s list (often for combat involvement), while ~44 never appeared on CPJ/RSF/IFJ lists as journalists.[10]

Important Context and Caveats

•“Linked” is broad: It ranges from confirmed military operatives/combatants (losing civilian protection under international humanitarian law if directly participating in hostilities) to employment by Hamas/PIJ-affiliated media (common under Hamas governance of Gaza, where independent press is constrained) or other associations. Not all “affiliates” were active fighters at the time of death. Propaganda roles can blur lines.[12]

•Evidence and disputes: Israeli sources rely heavily on captured materials and the groups’ own admissions (post-death). Public evidence varies by case (stronger for some with photos/docs/obituaries; intelligence withheld for others). Families, some media outlets, and monitors often deny or contest claims, calling them post-hoc justifications. International employers have sometimes defended staff. Verification is hard due to the war environment, access limits, and destroyed infrastructure.

•Broader picture: Gaza’s media environment is heavily influenced by Hamas. High overall civilian casualties and urban combat raise fog-of-war issues. Journalists (even embedded or dual-role) are not automatically legitimate targets, but combatants posing as such are not protected. Press groups stress Israel’s responsibility for the bulk of verified journalist deaths worldwide in this period and call for investigations/accountability; Israel maintains it does not deliberately target true civilians/journalists and provides warnings where feasible.

In short, the most thorough affiliation-focused research (ITIC/IDF, using primary materials from the groups and seized docs) supports that a majority of the reported Gazan journalist/media worker casualties had links to designated terrorist organizations. Press freedom monitors confirm a notable subset of combatants/dual roles (leading to list revisions) but uphold higher numbers of legitimate journalists killed and dispute the scale or implications of broader claims. Definitions, evidence standards, and political lenses drive much of the remaining disagreement.

Citations (12)

1jpost.comNews and mediaquality 0.81
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-880082
Backs: “Yes, according to detailed investigations by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC) and the IDF, a majority of those identified as Gazan journalists or media workers killed since October 7, 2023, had links to terrorist organizations (primarily Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad/PIJ).”
2timesofisrael.comNews and mediaquality 0.82
https://www.timesofisrael.com/majority-of-journalists-killed-in-gaza-linked-to-terror-organizations-study-says/
Backs: “Yes, according to detailed investigations by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC) and the IDF, a majority of those identified as Gazan journalists or media workers killed since October 7, 2023, had links to terrorist organizations (primarily Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad/PIJ).”
3t.coSocial media and video
https://t.co/J1DuaXdDLy
Backs: “An earlier ITIC review (of ~131 names up to early 2024) found a similar ~55-60% rate.”
4algemeiner.comNews and mediaquality 0.77
https://www.algemeiner.com/2024/02/26/who-are-the-killed-gazan-journalists-affiliated-with-palestinian-terror-groups/
Backs: “An earlier ITIC review (of ~131 names up to early 2024) found a similar ~55-60% rate.”
5idf.ilGovernment
https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/the-press-files/does-the-idf-target-journalists-in-gaza-170-gazan-journalists-exposed-as-terrorists/
Backs: “The IDF argues this shows it targets combatants, not protected civilians/journalists.”
6ynetnews.comNews and mediaquality 0.80
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byynhen5ze
Backs: “The IDF argues this shows it targets combatants, not protected civilians/journalists.”
7washingtonpost.comNews and mediaquality 0.82
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2026/09/24/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-journalists-killed-cpj/4cdeeb0a-b82e-11f1-94cb-d3d8f22a8c8b_story.html
Backs: “Partial overlap with IDF list (~78 names per one report); many on each list do not appear on the other.”
8cpj.orgNonprofits and think tanks
https://cpj.org/2023/10/journalist-casualties-in-the-israel-gaza-war/
Backs: “Partial overlap with IDF list (~78 names per one report); many on each list do not appear on the other.”
9nytimes.comNews and mediaquality 0.86
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/02/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-militants-journalists-killed.html
Backs: “Partial overlap with IDF list (~78 names per one report); many on each list do not appear on the other.”
10france24.comNews and mediaquality 0.88
https://www.france24.com/fr/moyen-orient/20261102-pour-isra%C3%ABl-170-journalistes-tu%C3%A9s-%C3%A0-gaza-%C3%A9taient-des-terroristes-enqu%C3%AAte-sur-un-bilan-contest%C3%A9
Backs: “It has also noted Hamas threats against critical Gazan journalists.”
11rfi.frNot yet classified
https://www.rfi.fr/en/podcasts/international-report/20251210-israel-responsible-for-half-of-journalist-deaths-in-2025-rsf-report-finds
Backs: “It has also noted Hamas threats against critical Gazan journalists.”
12thejc.comNews and mediaquality 0.51
https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/most-gazan-journalists-killed-idf-links-terror-x81ahi2c
Backs: “Not all “affiliates” were active fighters at the time of death. Propaganda roles can blur lines.”