New information has emerged regarding casualties in Gaza, suggesting that many individuals previously reported as civilians by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) were, in fact, affiliated with terrorist groups. This revelation challenges claims that Israeli forces intentionally targeted non-combatants.
Researchers monitoring death reports from the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health have noted a rising number of “martyrs” identified by their own organizations as terrorists, despite being officially listed as health or media workers. Gabriel Epstein, a senior policy associate at the Israel Policy Forum, stated that they are tracking numerous individuals linked to healthcare who have been designated as martyrs in the ongoing conflict.
Epstein highlighted a particularly significant case: Fadi al-Wadiyya, a physical therapist with Médecins Sans Frontières, killed by the Israeli Defense Forces in June 2024. MSF expressed outrage over his death, labeling it a murder. When the IDF claimed al-Wadiyya was with PIJ, MSF replied that they had no awareness of his alleged military involvement and were not informed about the circumstances surrounding his killing.
A Telegram account associated with the Al-Quds Brigade identifies al-Wadiyya as part of their military operations. MSF noted that they never intended to employ individuals for military purposes, emphasizing that such actions would compromise their neutrality and pose risks to staff and patients.
MSF has been prohibited from operating in Gaza since early March because they declined to provide a list of Palestinian personnel, citing safety concerns. Epstein revealed other instances of medical staff involved in terrorist activities.
Furthermore, analyses reveal that the PIJ routinely infiltrates humanitarian organizations, leading to suspicions about civilian roles. David Adesnik from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies remarked on the significant number of PIJ commanders disguised as civilians, indicating a strategy to use humanitarian access for their benefit.
While focusing mainly on PIJ, Adesnik mentioned that if Hamas were to disclose similar information, it could have wider implications for all humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Moreover, Salo Eisenberg from Honest Reporting has noted numerous cases of journalists implicated in terrorism.
As the situation in Gaza remains tense, analysts emphasize the importance of investigating casualties and understanding the extent of armed group control over essential sectors like healthcare and media. Epstein remarked that documenting these intersections is crucial for informing future discussions about the conflict and its human toll.
