Hamas Directs Media Outlets to Support Houthi Narrative on Attacks

Palestinian sources revealed that Hamas's media department recently issued a directive to its media outlets, including TV channels, websites, and social media accounts. The directive instructs them to support the narrative of the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group regarding its attacks in Yemen and against Saudi Arabia. The sources told i24news that the directive also allows for interviews with Houthi officials, framing them as consistent supporters of Gaza during the recent conflict. It also calls for continuous promotion of the hashtag "Yemen is Truthful," referencing the Houthis' support for Gaza through ballistic missile launches and drone attacks targeting Israel.

The directive specifically urged activists within Hamas's Youth Media Center to contribute to WhatsApp journalism groups, supporting Houthi news and disseminating their video content. A key group mentioned is "Smart Media," managed by a Hamas media official named Wael Abu Omar, who is known for raising significant funds for Hamas during the war, though much of it allegedly went to the movement itself. Smart Media is described as a significant WhatsApp platform for Hamas, used to disseminate both true and false information through its activists.

This tactic was previously employed by Hamas, for example, in fabricating a report about the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate apologizing to the Ministry of Health over corruption allegations related to medical travel permits for Gazans. Gaza-based activist Motaz Azaiza confirmed in a recent YouTube podcast that he was part of Smart Media at the war's outset and received instructions from Hamas journalists to attack opponents and promote specific policies.

Hamas leadership reportedly shows considerable interest in the Houthis' actions. The instructions emphasize the necessity of media support for the Houthi campaign against Saudi Arabia, including publishing Houthi-released news and promoting their narratives, such as alleged arrests of Saudi army personnel.