Israeli authorities allege that Gaza-based journalists were aware of Hamas' planned attack

Israel's communications minister, Shlomo Karhi, has accused four Gaza-based freelance journalists who have worked with Western outlets of having prior knowledge of Hamas's attack on Israel. Karhi specifically called out Reuters, AP, CNN, and the New York Times, claiming that individuals within these organizations were aware of the planned attacks. However, all four media outlets denied having any prior knowledge. The New York Times stated that these "unsupported accusations" put the safety of freelancers at risk. The attack by Hamas on October 7 resulted in the death of over 1,400 Israeli civilians and soldiers, as well as the abduction of more than 240 individuals. The accused journalists had captured images of the attack, including scenes of a burning Israeli tank and Palestinians breaching a fence at the Kfar Aza kibbutz. Karhi argued that by documenting the events, the photographers had essentially become participants in the attack. These allegations followed a suggestion made by pro-Israel website Honest Reporting that the journalists' presence may have been part of Hamas's plan. Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, added fuel to the fire by stating that the photojournalists should be treated as terrorists if it is proven they had prior knowledge. An MP for Israel's ruling Likud party even threatened to add the journalists to a list of individuals marked for assassination. In response, Reuters, AP, CNN, and the New York Times released statements refuting any involvement or arrangements with the journalists before the attack. The New York Times called the accusations "untrue and outrageous" and labeled them as a risk to the safety of their journalists in Israel and Gaza. The media outlets emphasized their dedication to covering the conflict with fairness, impartiality, and an understanding of its complexities. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that at least 39 journalists and media workers have been killed since the war began, with the majority being Palestinians. The CPJ pointed out the immense risks faced by journalists in Gaza due to the Israeli ground assault, airstrikes, disrupted communications, and power outages.