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Media Give Platform to Gaza Journalists Who Infiltrated Israel or Praised Hamas Massacre
The bodies of people, some of them elderly, lie on a street after they were killed during a mass-infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in Sderot, southern Israel, Oct. 7, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Ammar Awad
International media outlets have given an uncritical platform over the last month to independent Gaza journalists and social media influencers who either infiltrated Israel to cover Hamas’ atrocities on October 7, or praised them.
The New York Times, Reuters, NBC News and LA Times have legitimized these journalists’ and influencers’ presence inside Israel — or their extremist views — by using their materials or quoting them as reliable witnesses.
On October 9, two days after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel and despite plenty of other sources to rely upon, The New York Times published a piece putting front and center a Gaza reporter who broadcast live from the massacre.
Muthana Al-Najjar, an independent Gaza-based journalist who operates a Telegram channel with over 200k subscribers, entered Israel on October 7 to document the butchering of Israelis by Hamas.
His stand-up to camera from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, as gunshots are heard in the background, shocked many Israelis that day. He did not wear a press vest or a helmet to make him identifiable as a member of the press. He clearly did not feel under threat from the Hamas terrorists in his midst. He also shared a picture showing two of the terrorists triumphantly stepping on the body of a murdered Israeli, with a comment translated from Arabic: “Their dead under the feet of the warriors of al-Qassam Brigades.”
Yet The New York Times didn’t see any problem in dedicating an empathetic piece to Al-Najjar’s October 7 coverage (in the middle section of this news wrap). He was even interviewed to give a first-hand account:
Mr. Al-Najjar, a freelance reporter who posted the footage to social media, initially entered Israel through a breach in the fence along the perimeter with Gaza. He said it was the first time he had ever left Gaza in his life, because of the blockade imposed by Israel and backed by Egypt that restricts movement in and out of the enclave.
While women were raped, families tortured to death and children burnt alive, The New York Times still made sure to highlight how it was the first time Al-Najjar set foot — like the terrorists — on Israel’s territory. And the terrorists clearly let him do his job uninterrupted.
The piece also mentions Al-Najjar’s filming the kidnapping of a terrified mother and her two children and a video in which he seems to document himself taking a ride on a motorbike into the kibbutz where the abduction took place.
The author of the piece, Yousur Al-Hlou, attempts to humanize Al-Najjar by including sentences like: “The person filming, Muthana Al-Najjar, a 39-year-old from Gaza, can be heard asking the gunmen not to harm them.”
The piece shamefully ends with Al-Najjar’s quote concerning dead terrorists he had recognized, which makes it seem as if they were victims rather than perpetrators:
Mr. Al-Najjar said that as he was leaving Nir Oz, he saw at least two gunmen whose faces he recognized lying dead in a field, and he thought there were likely others.
“There are dozens missing there, as well as dead and injured,” Mr. Al-Najjar said. “No one knows how many.”
It is worth noting that Al-Hlou is also the author of a piece published by The New York Times on November 9, featuring a video by none other than discredited photojournalist Hassan Eslaiah, who was exposed by HonestReporting a day earlier and whose acquaintance with Yahya Sinwar — the Hamas mastermind of the October 7 attacks — has been made public.
The piece presents the work of three Gazan self-proclaimed journalists (see below for further details on two of them). It does clarify they are not neutral observers. But it includes an Instagram video featuring one of them that — according to the Arabic watermark (circled in red in the screenshot above) — has been shot by Eslaiah. It seems like Eslaiah even interviewed the person he had filmed, although the question answered is edited out.
While one can only hope that Al-Hlou and her editors at The New York Times missed this tiny detail, they should have done a better job checking the source of what they wished to present to their audience. Especially considering CNN and AP announced within hours after the HonestReporting expose that they had cut ties with Eslaiah.
Reuters, LA Times and NBC News Rely on Influencers Who Praised Hamas Attack
Furthermore, a joint investigation by The Jerusalem Post and HonestReporting has revealed the names of several Gazan social media influencers who have praised Hamas’ October 7th attack, and whose work is used, reported on, or relied upon by international media.
One of them is Doaa Rouqa, a freelance Reuters photojournalist, who has over 270k followers on Instagram. On October 7, she posted praise for Hamas’ attack on her Facebook page.
One post reads in Arabic: “October, Gaza, Glorious — history will record. Alaqsa flood.” Another, showing a picture of Hamas terrorists inside Israel, reads: “May God protect them. #alAqsa Flood … A morning and day like no other on the road to liberation and great victory, God willing.”
This overt support for terror did not prevent Reuters from buying her photos, which according to the news agency’s database, mainly feature Gazans suffering at Al-Shifa Hospital.
Did Reuters check Rouqa’s background or ask about her ability to deliver impartial coverage from where, according to the Israeli army, Hamas commanders are hiding?
Other outlets, like NBC News, have written about “the unfiltered coverage” of popular digital creators like Motaz Azaiza or Hind Khoudary:
The unfiltered coverage, as seen in the Instagram post below, adds a unique element to the broader journalistic efforts to capture what’s happening in Gaza.
But NBC News failed to mention that Khoudary is a Hamas collaborator who had turned Palestinians working for peace with Israelis over to Hamas.
It also failed to mention that Azaiza had posted on social media platform X a video of the kidnapping of Israelis into Gaza. He also posted a video showing Hamas terrorists inside Israel with a triumphant caption reading in Arabic: “The Gazans entered the settlements!!!!!!!! With jeeps we see in the streets of Gaza.”
The piece includes a video of Khoudary and Azaiza shot by another Gaza influencer with 2.4 million followers on Instagram, Ahmed Hijazee. On October 7, Hijazee posted on X the following praise for Hamas’ October 7 attack with a heart emoji and a Palestinian flag: “The men of the resistance are traveling inside our occupied territory.”
He also posted a video showing the terrorists celebrating over the mutilated body of an Israeli soldier, with an emoji of a handshake and a comment saying in Arabic: “The talk is about kidnapping a soldier and bringing him to the center of Bani Shaila. He was presented in front of the people.”
Khoudary and Azaiza are also mentioned in a Los Angeles Times piece from October 29. The piece quotes them as unbiased witnesses who had bravely shared their experiences of a weekend blackout in Gaza. Nowhere does it mention Khoudary’s background or Azaiza’s uploads.
International media should not be a careless mouthpiece for pro-Hamas voices. They should not lend legitimacy or credibility to people who praise terrorism.
The least they can do is properly vet and question the Gazan journalists and social media influencers they give a platform to or rely upon, bearing in mind how the territory is run by a terrorist organization that controls the flow of information.
The audience has a right to know that these people are not neutral bystanders supplying objective materials and information. The media have a duty to exercise transparency.
The post Media Give Platform to Gaza Journalists Who Infiltrated Israel or Praised Hamas Massacre first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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Israel Says France ‘Rewarding Terror’ After Macron Announces Plan to Recognize Palestinian State
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference in Paris, France, June 12, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
France intends to recognize a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday, drawing an immediate rebuke from Israel.
Macron, who announced the decision on X, published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France’s intention to press ahead with Palestinian recognition and work to convincing other partners to follow suit.
“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron said.
“I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.”
France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities, will become the first major Western country to recognize a Palestinian state, potentially giving greater momentum to a movement so far dominated by smaller nations that are generally more critical of Israel.
The announcement sparked anger from Israel and is likely to get a tough response from Washington.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Macron’s decision, saying that such a move “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy.”
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel,” Netanyahu said in a post on X.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the move as “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism,” adding that Israel would not allow the establishment of a “Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned Macron’s “absurd and unserious” decision that Paris will formally recognize a Palestinian state.
“The French president’s pretension to conjure a permanent settlement in our land with a mere breath is absurd and unserious,” Saar said in a statement posted on X. “A Palestinian state would be a Hamas state — just as the [Israeli] withdrawal from the Gaza Strip 20 years ago led to Hamas’s takeover there.”
Macron “cannot provide security for Israel,” Sa’ar added.
“Israel’s attempt to base its security on Palestinian promises to fight terror failed entirely in the Oslo process,” he continued, referring to the 1990s peace initiative between Israel and the Palestinians that sought a two-state solution. “Israel will no longer gamble with its security and its future.”
In a diplomatic cable in June, the United States said it opposed any steps that would unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state even saying it could go against US foreign policy interests and draw consequences.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Macron had been leaning towards recognizing a Palestinian state for months as part of a bid to keep the idea of a two-state solution alive despite the pressure not to do so.
French officials initially weighed up the move ahead of a United Nations conference, which France and Saudi Arabia had planned to co-host in June to lay out the parameters for a roadmap to a Palestinian state, while ensuring Israel‘s security.
The conference was postponed under US pressure and after the 12-day Israel-Iran air war began, during which regional airspace was closed, making it hard for representatives of some Arab states to attend.
It was rescheduled and downgraded to a ministerial event on July 28-29 with a second event taking place with heads of state and government on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September.
CREATING MOMENTUM
The decision to make the announcement ahead of next week’s conference aimed to give the French team at the United Nations a framework to work with other countries who are also considering recognizing a Palestinian state or still have misgivings in doing so.
Diplomats say Macron has faced resistance from allies such as Britain and Canada over his push for the recognition of a Palestinian state. Some 40 foreign ministers will be in New York next week.
Israeli officials have spent months lobbying to prevent what some have described as “a nuclear bomb” for bilateral relations.
The idea that France, one of Israel‘s closest allies and a G7 member, could recognize a Palestinian state, would certainly infuriate Netanyahu.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Israel‘s warnings to France have ranged from scaling back intelligence sharing to complicating Paris’ regional initiatives – even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank.
Thanking France, the Palestinian Authority’s Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said on X that Macron’s decision reflected “France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state.”
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Ukraine Declares Rabbi Nachman’s Tomb a National Heritage Site Ahead of Annual Uman Pilgrimage
Orthodox Jewish pilgrims dance outside the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov during celebrations marking Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, in Uman, Ukraine, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Oct. 2, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Ukrainian authorities have declared the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov a national heritage site, ahead of the annual pilgrimage that draws thousands of Jewish worshippers to Uman to honor the 18th-century founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced the decision on Wednesday during Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s visit to Kyiv — a move that underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations.
“I want to thank you for recognizing the site in Uman, the resting place of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, as a heritage site,” Saar said during a joint press conference.
“Both Ukraine and Israel are going through difficult times, but our countries are strong, and the friendship between us is steadfast. We will continue to deepen it and support one another,” the top Israeli diplomat said.
“I thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to building a better future for our children. And I invite you and hope to soon host you in Jerusalem, our eternal capital,” he continued.
Uman, a city in central Ukraine, has long been a major pilgrimage destination, drawing tens of thousands of observant Jews — primarily Haredim — who travel to visit the tomb of Rabbi Nachman, the revered founder of the Breslover Hasidim.
Once home to a thriving Jewish community, Uman saw its residents devastated under Nazi occupation in 1941, with thousands murdered and 17,000 deported.
The local Jewish cemetery was destroyed during this time, including Rabbi Nachman’s grave, which was later recovered and relocated.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, several Orthodox Jewish families have returned to Uman.
Each year, an annual pilgrimage takes place around Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, drawing thousands to the tomb of Rabbi Nachman, who died in 1810. This year’s event is set to occur from Sept. 22 to Sept. 24.
Since 2020, Ukrainian officials have advised against making the pilgrimage — initially due to COVID-19 restrictions and later because of the ongoing war with Russia.
The pilgrimage faced major disruptions after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to the suspension of many commercial flights. Since then, regional tensions in the Middle East — including the war in Gaza in 2023 and escalating conflicts with Iran in 2024 — have further complicated travel.
Last year, approximately 30,000 Israelis traveled to Uman for their annual celebration at the tomb, despite official warnings urging travelers to avoid the area.
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US, Israel Recall Negotiators From Gaza Ceasefire Talks, Witkoff Says ‘Selfish’ Hamas Not Showing Good Faith
Explosions send smoke into the air in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, July 17, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Israel and the United States both recalled their negotiators from Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar on Thursday, with US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff saying that Hamas has not been acting in good faith and “clearly shows a lack of desire” to reach a deal despite weeks of mediated discussions with the Palestinian terrorist group.
“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff posted on X/Twitter. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.”
Witkoff’s statement came as Israeli officials also confirmed pulling its negotiating team from Doha for consultations, accusing Hamas of altering the terms of a potential ceasefire agreement just as talks appeared to be gaining momentum. The announcement also came amid mounting international concern over deteriorating conditions in Gaza, where the UN and multiple aid agencies have warned of a worsening hunger crisis. However, negotiations have stalled over what Israeli officials described as Hamas’s new and unrealistic demands concerning prisoner releases and terms for a permanent ceasefire.
“In light of the response conveyed by Hamas this morning, it has been decided to return the negotiating team for additional consultations in Israel,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. “We appreciate the efforts by the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, and the efforts of envoy Witkoff, to achieve a breakthrough in the negotiations.”
Hamas has demanded that Israel release 200 Palestinian terrorists serving life sentences for killing Israelis and another 2,000 Palestinians who were detained in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of and massacre across southern Israel, according to Axios reporter Barak Ravid. In exchange, Hamas would turn over 10 living hostages to Israel.
According to Ravid and Israeli journalist Amit Segal, Hamas specifically requested the release of 20 murderers for each living hostage, in addition to the 2,000 detainees.
Hamas’s new demands were part of its response following an earlier ceasefire proposal, accepted by Israel, which included the release of 125 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,200 Palestinians arrested by the Israeli military in Gaza after Oct. 7.
The terrorist group, which has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades, also reportedly demanded that Israeli forces withdraw to smaller areas of territory in the enclave than previously discussed as part of the ceasefire and that UN agencies and international organizations should provide aid to the war-torn area rather than the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. In addition, Hamas demanded guarantees that Israel would not resume fighting after the 60-day ceasefire, a condition the Jewish state has opposed.
Hamas is still holding 50 hostages, including 49 of the 251 abducted by Hamas-led Palestinian terrorists during the Oct. 7 atrocities that started the ongoing war. The terrorist group, which has not yet commented on the US and Israeli decisions to pull out their negotiating teams, has repeatedly insisted that any ceasefire must lead to a permanent end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel has said all hostages must be freed and Hamas can’t retain control of neighboring Gaza when the fighting stops.
The post US, Israel Recall Negotiators From Gaza Ceasefire Talks, Witkoff Says ‘Selfish’ Hamas Not Showing Good Faith first appeared on Algemeiner.com.