Israel Claims Al Jazeera Journalist Killed in Gaza Was Hamas Operative

The Israeli military has alleged that an Al Jazeera journalist killed in a recent strike in Gaza was a Hamas militant operating under the cover of journalism.

The journalist, Mohammed Wishah, was killed on Wednesday when a vehicle he was travelling in was struck west of the Gaza Strip. In response, Al Jazeera condemned the attack, describing it as a “deliberate and targeted crime” aimed at silencing journalists.

However, the Israeli military said on Thursday that Wishah was “a key terrorist” linked to Hamas, allegedly involved in rocket and weapons production and planning attacks against Israeli forces. It further claimed he had “operated under the guise of a journalist” to carry out militant activities.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders also condemned the killing, noting that more than 220 journalists have been killed in Gaza over the past two and a half years, with at least 70 reportedly killed while performing their duties.

Despite a ceasefire in place since October, tensions remain high in Gaza, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of repeated violations.

Al Jazeera said it would pursue legal action to hold those responsible accountable, insisting that the targeting of its staff would not go unchallenged.