Gaza-based freelance photographers for the Associated Press and Reuters were on the ground for the early-morning terrorist attack on Israel, raising concerns about whether ethical lines were crossed to obtain the photos.
Honest Reporting, a pro-Israel media watchdog, reported that the AP credited four photojournalists for its Oct. 7 images from the Israel-Gaza border: Hassan Eslaiah, Yousef Masoud, Ali Mahmud, and Hatem Ali.
Mr. Eslaiah has also freelanced for CNN and Mr. Masoud for the New York Times.
Honest Reporting posted a photo of a man identified as Mr. Eslaiah being kissed on the cheek by Hamas Gaza leader and Oct. 7 “mastermind” Yahya Sinwar.
Reuters published Oct. 7 photos from two photographers — Mohammed Fayq Abu Mostafa and Yasser Qudih — whom Honest Reporting said “also happened to be at the border just in time for Hamas’ infiltration.”
“What were they doing there so early on what would ordinarily have been a quiet Saturday morning?” asked Honest Reporting in its Thursday report. “Was it coordinated with Hamas? Did the respectable wire services, which published their photos, approve of their presence inside enemy territory, together with the terrorist infiltrators?”
There were more questions.
“Did the photojournalists who freelance for other media, like CNN and The New York Times, notify these outlets?” the outlet asked. “Judging from the pictures of lynching, kidnapping and storming of an Israeli kibbutz, it seems like the border has been breached not only physically, but also journalistically.”
Those alarmed about the possible use of embedded freelancers included Avi Mayer, editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post.
“As the editor of a newspaper, I am deeply, deeply troubled by this,” tweeted Mr. Mayer. “@HonestReporting exposé suggesting possible collusion between photojournalists and Hamas during the October 7 massacre in southern Israel. We deserve answers.
The Associated Press denied having any advance information on the horrific attack, which saw Hamas terrorists invade Israel and kill more than 1,400 Israeli civilians, including women and children.
“AP uses images taken by freelancers around the world, including in Gaza. Hassan Eslaiah has been an occasional freelancer for AP and other news organizations,” Nicole Meir, AP media relations manager, told The Washington Times.
“The Associated Press had no knowledge of the Oct. 7 attacks before they happened,” she said. “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.”
CNN responded by saying it had cut ties with Mr. Eslaiah, according to Ynetnews, an Israel-based news site.
“We are aware of the article and photo concerning Hassan Eslaiah, a freelance photojournalist who has worked with a number of international and Israeli outlets,” CNN told the outlet.
“While we have not at this time found reason to doubt the journalistic accuracy of the work he has done for us, we have decided to suspend all ties with him,” the network said.
The Washington Times has reached out to Reuters and the New York Times for comment.
Video posted online showed Mr. Eslaiah describing the action as he stood in front of a burning Israeli tank.
“Note that he is not identifiable as a member of the press,” said Honest Reporting. “But AP & CNN deemed it acceptable to use his services.”
Conservative defense attorney Marina Medvin tweeted that “Ali Mahmud and Hatem Ali shot pictures of the abductions of Israelis into Gaza. Mahmud also captured the pickup truck carrying the body of Shani Louk.”
“They documented some of the kidnappings. Did these ‘journalists’ know of the plan ahead of time?” she asked.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.