The Israeli military has claimed that an Al Jazeera journalist killed in a recent airstrike in Gaza was a member of Hamas operating under the cover of media work.

The journalist, Mohammed Wishah, was killed on Wednesday when his vehicle was struck west of the Gaza Strip. Al Jazeera condemned the attack, describing it as a “deliberate and targeted crime” aimed at intimidating journalists, and held Israeli forces responsible.

However, the Israeli military said Wishah was “a key terrorist” involved in Hamas’ rocket and weapons production operations, alleging that he used his role as a journalist to conceal militant activities and plan attacks against Israeli troops.

The incident has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates, including Reporters Without Borders, which noted that more than 220 journalists have been killed in Gaza over the past two and a half years, many while carrying out their duties.

Despite a ceasefire that has been in place since October, tensions remain high in Gaza, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of repeated violations.

Al Jazeera stated that Wishah is among at least 11 of its journalists killed since the outbreak of the conflict following the October 7, 2023, attacks, and vowed to pursue legal action to hold those responsible accountable.