Story perspectives

Press Freedom Criticized, CPJ Strips Eight Over Hamas Cover-Up

6/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Press Freedom leadership faces calls after failing to acknowledge Hamas combatants posing as Gaza journalists, prompting CPJ to strip eight.
Hamas said on June 1 that Abdullah Breis was a commander masquerading as a journalist and reported that 60% of Gaza journalists killed are combatants.
Press Freedom published 100 pieces since October 7 while omitting Hamas’s press-vest combat, with Associated Press (AP) reporter Matti Friedman saying the agency censored stories to protect stringers.

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Story summary

Press Freedom leadership faces calls after failing to acknowledge Hamas combatants posing as Gaza journalists, prompting CPJ to strip eight.
Hamas said on June 1 that Abdullah Breis was a commander masquerading as a journalist and reported that 60% of Gaza journalists killed are combatants.
Press Freedom published 100 pieces since October 7 while omitting Hamas’s press-vest combat, with Associated Press (AP) reporter Matti Friedman saying the agency censored stories to protect stringers.