Hamas Mourns Journalists Who Were Also Militant Members

This report reveals that Hamas has been publishing obituaries for Palestinian journalists killed in the Gaza war, identifying many as active members of its military wing. While over 200 journalists have died according to monitoring groups, investigations show individuals like Muhammad Manhal Abu Arman served as field commanders in Hamas's Military Media Department. Obits circulated on Telegram channels such as 'Moons of the Flood' depict these individuals with both professional cameras and assault rifles, swearing loyalty to the Qassam Brigades. Abu Arman, listed by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) as a journalist killed in an Israeli drone strike, is shown in videos wearing combat gear and holding weapons. Similarly, Mohammad Bassam al-Jamal, another CPJ-listed casualty, is identified in Hamas tributes as part of the Rafah Brigade's media unit. The article highlights the dual role of these individuals, challenging the neutral status often attributed to them in international casualty counts. It underscores the complexity of defining press freedom violations in conflict zones where media personnel may also hold militant positions within organizations designated as terrorist entities by the EU and others.