In a recent operation in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have alleged that journalist Abdallah Aljamal was holding three hostages at his home. The IDF did not provide evidence to support their claim. The hostages, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, were rescued after being held captive for 246 days. They were initially kidnapped by Hamas militants from the Nova music festival on October 7.
The IDF’s special operation on Saturday also resulted in the rescue of a fourth hostage, Noa Argamani. According to the IDF, Aljamal and his family members were holding the hostages on the third floor of their multi-story building in central Gaza.
There are conflicting reports regarding the number of casualties from the operation. Gazan authorities have reported 274 Palestinians killed and 698 injured, marking it as one of the deadliest days in recent months. The IDF, however, disputes these figures, estimating the number of casualties to be “under 100.”
Aljamal, his wife, and his father were killed during the operation. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor chairman Ramy Abdu, citing initial testimonies, documented the IDF’s alleged actions in the Nuseirat camp.
The IDF claimed Aljamal was a Hamas operative and a journalist for Al Jazeera. This accusation follows Israel’s expulsion of the Qatar-based network under a new wartime law. In response, Al Jazeera called these allegations “completely unfounded” and part of a broader effort to damage its reputation. The network clarified that Aljamal never worked for them but had contributed an opinion piece in 2019.
Aljamal was also a freelance contributor to The Palestine Chronicle. The US-based outlet expressed sorrow over his death, noting his reports focused on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
In addition, an account linked to Israel’s Foreign Ministry claimed Aljamal was a spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Labor, though this assertion was made without providing evidence.
As investigations and verifications continue, the incident highlights the complexities and tragedies of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
