Hamas Documents Implicate Freelancers with Major Media

Recent findings from the Gaza Strip suggest that freelance “journalists” collaborating with prominent corporate media outlets are also acting as propagandists for Palestinian terrorist organizations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) published a document from 2019 indicating that Hassan Aslih, a former photographer for CNN and the Associated Press (AP), was, in fact, a member of Hamas assigned to generate supportive media for terrorist groups.

The IDF targeted and killed Aslih in airstrikes, revealing his ties through documents he had obtained, which challenge the notion of him being merely a “journalist.” IDF spokesman Nadab Shoshani shared on X that Aslih infiltrated Israel with armed terrorists and filmed violent events, framing him not as a reporter, but as a Hamas operative.

Evidence from the Al-Kassam Brigade, Hamas’s military branch, indicates Aslih was part of their “media platoon,” though specifics about his role are sparse, just mentioning “training.” A recovered record lists him among other operatives, cementing his connection to the group.

Despite these revelations, the AP has not publicly commented. In 2021, they were criticized for sharing office space with Hamas in Gaza but denied any knowledge of the relationship. They are currently facing a lawsuit from victims of the October 7 attacks, with documents allegedly showing that the pro-Israel group Camera raised concerns about Aslih’s links to Hamas as early as 2018.

Both AP and CNN have recently announced they will no longer collaborate with Aslih, especially after links emerged tying him and other freelancers to Hamas during coverage of the October 7 incident. Photos surfaced showing Aslih with Yahya Sinwar, a deceased Hamas leader, raising further questions.

In their defense, the AP stated no staff members were present at the border during the incidents, emphasizing that Aslih was just an occasional freelancer. CNN declined to comment but noted that Aslih wasn’t on their payroll during the attacks, although his work was sometimes utilized.

“After October 7, we urged media to reconsider hiring Aslih based on his connections,” a watchdog group commented, acknowledging backlash but maintaining their stance.