Were a majority of the Gazan journalists killed since October 7th, 2023 linked to terrorist organizations?
Short answer: No.
Why: Independent press-freedom groups that track these deaths have not found that most Gazan journalists killed since October 7, 2023 were militants. CPJ’s latest review (published September 24, 2026) re-examined individual cases and removed 27 previously listed people after determining they had engaged in combat, but it still counts the large majority of the dead in Gaza as journalists or media workers, not combatants. That implies a minority—not a majority—had verified militant roles.[1]
What’s being claimed on the other side: Israel’s military has alleged that “at least 170” of the Gazans described as journalists who were killed were actually members of Hamas, PIJ or other militant groups, and some advocacy outlets have asserted that “over half” had “terror ties.” Those figures come from parties to the conflict or aligned groups and have not been independently verified by neutral monitors.[2]
Context: CPJ has criticized broad, unsubstantiated “terrorist” labeling of Palestinian journalists; RSF has likewise said Israel has not provided sufficient evidence in several publicized cases. Under international humanitarian law, journalists are civilians and retain protection unless and for such time as they directly participate in hostilities; political views or employment by a partisan outlet do not, by themselves, remove that protection.[3]
If you want, I can break down the CPJ review numbers specific to Gaza only and show how they compare to the allegations.
Citations (3)
- CPJ completes review of journalists killed in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory - Committee to Protect Journalists
Backs: “That implies a minority—not a majority—had verified militant roles.”
- The Press Files | IDF
Backs: “Israel’s military has alleged that “at least 170” of the Gazans described as journalists who were killed were actually members of Hamas, PIJ or other militant groups, and some advocacy outlets have asserted that “over half” had “terror ties.” Those figures come from parties to the conflict or aligned groups and have…”
- CPJ denounces Israel's smearing of killed Palestinian journalists with unsubstantiated ‘terrorist’ labels - Committee to Protect Journalists
Backs: “Under international humanitarian law, journalists are civilians and retain protection unless and for such time as they directly participate in hostilities; political views or employment by a partisan outlet do not, by themselves, remove that protection.”