IDF List of Slain Journalists Faces Scrutiny Over Credibility

The IDF database, dubbed "Press Files," emerged as a rebuttal to international organizations like the International Federation of Journalists, which has documented the deaths of at least 240 media workers in Gaza. While the military asserts its findings stem from an in-depth investigation of recovered documents and intelligence, Shehada found that a majority of the entries lack any credible supporting data. In 59 instances, the IDF offered no proof beyond vague mentions of intelligence sources, while 42 other cases relied on undated, out-of-context snippets.

Shehada highlighted several discrepancies that undermine the military's narrative. For instance, the IDF cited a Hamas document to label Al Jazeera reporter Ismail al-Ghoul a combatant; yet, the document contained contradictory dates and listed him as an engineer, not a fighter. Similarly, photojournalist Hassan Aslih was designated a military operative, despite the accompanying evidence identifying him only as a media worker. These findings align with recent work by the Committee to Protect Journalists, which also found that past organizational ties or non-combatant training do not equate to active militant status under international humanitarian law. Shehada argues that even with the resources of an internal "Legitimization Cell," the military has failed to provide a consistent basis for its accusations, suggesting the files serve as a post hoc justification for targeted killings.