Gazan Journalist Reveals Hamas Media Control and Unreleased Hostage Footage

Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in 2024, has revealed that he possesses unreleased footage from October 7th showing Gazan civilians assaulting hostages brought into the Strip. Azaiza chose not to publish these materials out of concern that Israel would identify and target the individuals involved. He described witnessing Gazans attacking hostages from an Al-Qassam Brigades vehicle, stating, "People came out, looked, beat them and harmed them, and I followed them and filmed." He explained his decision by saying, "I knew Israel would use these videos to identify every person who was there and eliminate him. I didn't want to be responsible, even indirectly, for the deaths of those people in exchange for a few likes and views online."

In an interview on the Taqarrab podcast, Azaiza also detailed the pressures faced by journalists in Gaza under Hamas rule. He described a system where criticism of Hamas can lead to repercussions for the journalist. Azaiza pointed to a WhatsApp group called "Smart," allegedly managed by a Hamas-affiliated media operative and comprising Gazan journalists. He claims this group was used to organize campaigns against journalists who published critical content about the organization, leading photographers to lower their cameras when negative comments about Hamas were made.

The New York Post, in a report referencing Azaiza's account, contextualized his claims within the broader history of media operations in Gaza since Hamas's 2007 takeover. The Post noted that local journalists have long operated under Hamas restrictions, with deviations potentially leading to harm. The newspaper suggested that some of these pressures are often obscured when material gathered in Gaza is published by Western media outlets.

The New York Post further cited instances of pressure on journalists during the recent war, including at least three cases where Gazan reporters reported being beaten or threatened by Hamas operatives for covering residents who blamed the organization for the Strip's destruction. These reporters were allegedly told to cease amplifying such critical voices. The Post concluded that Azaiza's revelations raise questions about how information has been collected and transmitted from Gaza over the years, particularly concerning the role of local fixers, like those in the "Smart" group, who assist foreign journalists with coordination and translation.