BBC reviews 53 Gaza journalist cases after claims of Hamas links
The broadcaster is reviewing names in its coverage amid allegations that some of those identified as journalists had links to armed groups
The BBC says it is reviewing information about Palestinians identified in its coverage as journalists killed during the war in Gaza, following an investigation that raised questions about 53 people named in its reports.
Most of the individuals appeared in BBC Arabic coverage, although some were also mentioned in the broadcaster’s English-language reporting.
The investigation alleges that some of the 53 took part in the October 7, 2023, attacks. It also cites photographs of others in military uniform, carrying weapons or displaying symbols associated with Hamas or other armed groups. In some cases, Hamas or other groups posted tributes after their deaths that identified them as members or called them “martyrs.”
The evidence differs substantially from case to case and does not establish that all 53 were combatants.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is also reviewing its list of journalists and media workers killed during the war. It has removed some names after determining that those individuals had participated in combat or did not meet its criteria for inclusion.
The BBC said its list was last updated in August 2025 using the information available at the time. Following CPJ’s changes, the broadcaster said it would review the people identified in its own coverage.