Gazan "Journalist" Motaz Azaiza Details Hamas Criticism, October 7th in Candid Interview

Motaz Azaiza, a Gazan photographer and blogger who gained international fame for his coverage of the Israel-Hamas war, has given a candid interview detailing life within the Gaza Strip, his views on Hamas, and his experiences on October 7th. The interview, published on September 3, 2026, on the Palestinian podcast "Taqarob," delves into Azaiza's childhood, his evolving perspective on Hamas, his journalistic work, and his departure from Gaza. Notably, Azaiza discusses aspects of Gazan life beyond the conflict, including internal criticism of Hamas, self-censorship among journalists, and footage he captured on October 7th but chose not to release.

Azaiza, born in 1999, initially aimed to document everyday life in Gaza. His profile surged after October 7, 2023, with his daily posts reaching millions. He was recognized by TIME and GQ, and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. His prominence grew as international journalists had limited access to Gaza, making local reporters like Azaiza a primary source of visual information. However, the article notes that journalists in Gaza, including Azaiza, operate under Hamas's influence, with some being direct employees of the group's media wing.

In the interview, Azaiza admits to being a supporter of Hamas in his youth, influenced by his environment. He also recounts witnessing an Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades vehicle carrying Israeli hostages on October 7th, filming the scene but withholding the footage out of concern for identifying those involved. He describes a culture of self-censorship among Gazan journalists, where reporting on criticism of Hamas would lead to cameras being lowered, though he claims he sometimes continued filming.

Azaiza also revealed his involvement in a WhatsApp group called "Smart," linked to Hamas's media apparatus, where coordinated online harassment campaigns were organized against individuals. He expressed strong criticism of Hamas's leadership, questioning the results of their armed resistance and their handling of ceasefire negotiations, stating, "You have returned us to the Middle Ages" regarding the destruction in Gaza.

He decided to leave Gaza in January 2024 due to deteriorating living conditions, proximity to fighting, and the deaths of colleagues. Azaiza stated his desire to advocate for Gaza from abroad. The article mentions that he was denied exit twice before eventually leaving for Egypt and then Qatar, where he was offered asylum. Azaiza describes Gaza as "the most toxic place in the world," expressing a complex love-hate relationship with his homeland due to the immense suffering it causes.