Analysts say Gaza 'civilian' deaths include Hamas, other terror members working as medics, media workers
New research indicates that many reported civilian deaths in Gaza may include members of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad disguised as healthcare and media workers.
Recent research reported by Fox News highlights the growing concern that a substantial portion of individuals classified as civilians in Gaza, particularly those purportedly killed during the conflict, may actually be affiliated with terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Analysts have scrutinized the reports from the Hamas-run health ministry, revealing that many identified as martyrs by these groups held positions that involved healthcare or media, leading to accusations that the nature of the casualties is being misrepresented.
Senior policy associate Gabriel Epstein from the Israel Policy Forum shared insights on the findings, noting that he has tracked numerous individuals publicly recognized by Hamas and PIJ as martyrs only to uncover their roles as active members within the health sector, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This revelation challenges the narrative of indiscriminate attacks on civilians and raises questions about the credibility of death tolls reported in international media.
Moreover, the controversy surrounding the integrity of organizations like Doctors Without Borders, accused of disseminating what some argue are 'false' claims regarding civilian casualties, adds another layer to the narrative. As the situation in Gaza remains deeply polarized, these findings could influence public perception and international responses to the ongoing conflict.