CNN, AP Photojournalist Traveled With Hamas, Held Grenade During Oct. 7th Massacre - 'Accomplices In Crimes Against Humanity'

On Wednesday, a number of freelance photojournalists for various Western media companies, including CNN, The Associated Press, Reuters, The New York Times, and others, were exposed for having ventured into southern Israel alongside Hamas during the October 7th massacre that led to the murder of over 1,400 Israelis and 32 Americans.

According to Honest Reporting, some of the freelancers employed by The AP include Hassan Eslaiah, Yousef Masoud, Ali Mahmud, and Hatem Ali. Hassan Eslaiah, who works for CNN, could also be seen, in a video posted to his Facebook page, holding a grenade on the back of a motorcycle. 

"Yo, [Associated Press], [Reuters], [CNN} - what your freelancer in Gaza Hassan Eslaiah is doing on a motorbike with a grenade, on his way to the massacre of women and babies?" Amit Segal wrote on X/Twitter. "Is a grenade part of the equipment you provide?"

During the attack, he took photos of burning tanks and Hamas fighters entering Kibbutz Kfar Azza. In addition to the various photos and footage showing the CNN freelancer during the attack, an image of him with Hamas leader and mastermind of the attack, Yahya Sinwar, also came to light.

Following these revelations, the Israeli government demanded action from news agencies, with the National Public Diplomacy Directorate of the Prime Minister's Office explaining that it "views with utmost gravity that photojournalists working with international media joined in covering the brutal acts of murder perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on Saturday October 7th in the communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip."

"These journalists were accomplices in crimes against humanity; their actions were contrary to professional ethics," the government office explained.

Following severe backlash, CNN severed ties with the reporter, writing in a statement, "Hassan Eslaiah, who was a freelance journalist working for us and many other outlets, was not working for the network on October 7th. As of today, we have severed all ties with him." The Associated Press has also cut ties with Eslaiah.

Some have speculated that these photojournalists potentially knew of the attack before it took place nearly a month ago. CNN has denied having any advanced knowledge of the attacks. The Associated Press also denied having any advanced knowledge, with spokeswoman Nicole Meir explaining, "The Associated Press had no knowledge of the October 7th attacks before they happened. The role of the AP is to gather information on breaking news events around the world, wherever they happen, even when those events are horrific and cause mass casualties. AP uses images taken by freelancers around the world, including in Gaza."

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