GAZA — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is conducting a full review of its database of journalists killed during the Israel-Hamas War as of June 29, 2026. The review follows evidence that some individuals previously listed were members of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The CPJ has removed eight names from its "Killed" database after they were established to have been members of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Another 12 individuals were removed for other reasons. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad published obituaries identifying these individuals as combatants, although they had previously been listed by the CPJ as journalists.

Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of CPJ, addressed the organization's policy. "CPJ has always been clear that we do not include anyone in our data sets if there is evidence that they were engaging in combat or inciting imminent violence," Ginsberg said. "This is consistent with international humanitarian law, which considers journalists affiliated with non-state actors to be civilians, provided they do not directly participate in hostilities."

Ginsberg added that the organization condemns the misrepresentation of combatants as journalists. "CPJ condemns in no uncertain terms the misrepresentation of combatants as journalists or media workers - or the misuse of 'Press' insignia," she said. "Such actions endanger every single individual journalist legitimately trying to report." She confirmed the group is reviewing its lists to ensure no one actively engaged in combat is included. The review is expected to be completed in July.

The CPJ said it typically uses at least two independent sources, desk-based research, and in-person research when possible before adding names to its database. However, in-person verification by researchers outside Gaza has not been possible since the war began, as Israel has refused access to the territory for international correspondents. As of June 25, 2026, the CPJ had documented 209 individuals as journalists or media workers killed by Israel in Gaza and in Israeli detention centers since October 7, 2023.

A December 2025 study by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center indicated that 60% of individuals identifying as journalists killed during the war in Gaza were members of or affiliated with terrorist organizations, primarily Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Shlomo Mofaz, director of the Meir Amit Center, said, "About 60% is definitely a very high figure." Mofaz added, "The issue of Hamas's propaganda is a high priority, and it uses a lot of media outlets abroad to talk about it." He also stated, "The narrative of harming journalists is like the number of deaths - when you check the facts and figures, it's not like that."

Israel's Foreign Ministry commented on the CPJ's actions, stating, "It's official: even the Committee to Protect Journalists admits it...Gaza ' journalists' = Hamas & Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists."