Western media star speaks about October 7 censorship and work in Gaza

Palestinian photographer Motaz Azaiza, whom Western media elevated as a symbol of independent journalism, admitted in an interview that on October 7, 2023, he filmed scenes of lynching and hostage-taking but deliberately withheld those images, fearing consequences for local residents. He also described Hamas's censorship system, including surveillance and threats against journalists, and criticized the group's leadership for delaying negotiations.

Palestinian photographer Motaz Azaiza, whom Western media including TIME magazine hailed as a symbol of independent journalism from Gaza, gave a three-hour interview to the Takarab project, analyzed by The Jerusalem Post. In it, he made a series of revelatory statements. Azaiza admitted that on October 7, 2023, he personally filmed scenes of lynching and the capture of Israeli hostages by a crowd in Gaza. However, he deliberately blocked the distribution of those images, fearing consequences for the people captured on film. He detailed the censorship system established by Hamas in the Strip, including a closed group on the Smart messenger through which journalists' data was leaked, after which they were subjected to harassment and threats. Unexpectedly for many, Azaiza sharply criticized Hamas's leadership, stating that armed resistance had brought Palestinians nothing but destruction, and accused the leaders of delaying negotiations. These revelations, according to the article's author, destroy the image of 'impartial eyes of Gaza' created by Western propaganda and show how Western media became participants in the manipulation of public opinion.