IDF Claims 170 Gaza "Journalists" Were Hamas and Islamic Jihad Operatives

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released findings from an extensive research effort, asserting that 170 residents of the Gaza Strip, who were killed during the recent conflict and presented internationally as innocent journalists, were in fact operatives for Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The IDF stated this information is intended to counter accusations from international media outlets that Israel deliberately targets members of the press.

To substantiate its claims, the military has launched a dedicated website featuring the names and photographs of the deceased. The site presents verified evidence, including visual documentation and internal documents from the terror organizations recovered by forces in Gaza, which reportedly confirm their affiliation with these groups and their military roles. In some instances, the terror organizations themselves allegedly claimed these individuals as their own fighters.

The IDF spokesperson stated that the data highlights a significant discrepancy between the global narrative and the reality on the ground, asserting that military operations are solely directed against terrorism and conducted in accordance with international law. "170 residents of Gaza who were presented as innocent journalists were actually terrorists. We will continue to expose the lies and present the facts," the spokesperson said.

Addressing international media criticism, the IDF spokesperson also attacked a recently circulated film about the military's operations, calling it a "distorted, misleading, and unrealistic picture." He added, "We never planned, approved, or carried out an attack where 500 civilians were expected to be killed."

The IDF noted a recurring pattern where Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have retrospectively identified some of the deceased, initially presented as journalists, as members of their military wings, particularly after the narrative of Israel intentionally harming journalists gained traction. Of the 170 individuals, 118 were reportedly active in Hamas's military wing, 49 in PIJ, one in the Desert Lions Battalion, and two in the Popular Resistance Committees. Seventeen of these individuals allegedly participated in the October 7th attacks on Israel. The elimination of over 40 of these individuals, who allegedly served as terrorists, has drawn condemnations against Israel from the United Nations.

Some of the individuals on the list reportedly worked for international media organizations including Reuters, CNN, ABC Australia, BBC, AFP, AP, and Le Monde. The IDF contends that this narrative, distinguishing between legitimate journalists and those simultaneously acting as terrorists, has been widely cited by international media, human rights organizations, international institutions, and politicians.