Gaza-based CNN freelance journalist worked with, supported Hamas, watchdog report finds
Between selfies with senior Hamas officials and constant sharing of Hamas terrorist propaganda, Abdel Qader Sabbah's profile depicted clear connections to the organization.
A report published by anti-Israel media bias watchdog HonestReporting alleges that a Gaza-based CNN freelance journalist was associated with a Hamas-run entity. Abdel Qader Sabbah appeared in photographs with senior Hamas leaders online and actively praised terrorists while also carrying out unnamed tasks for the terror organization, the report claims.
The report cites CNN's platforming of Sabbah's work. He has also worked for the Associated Press, and his platforming casts doubt on the journalistic integrity of the network and the Hamas terror group's ties to it. The report also raises concerns about journalistic standards and vetting practices of reporters for the media network, in addition to the story content published by the outlet.
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The media watchdog identified evidence of Abdel Qader Sabbah’s Hamas affiliation on his personal Facebook page, where he identified himself as a freelance journalist, director, and photographer.
Throughout his profile, Sabbah's links himself to senior Hamas leaders, such as Mahmoud A-Zahar, in a 2018 post. A-Zahar called for "world domination with no Zionists," the report said.
His selfie with A-Zahar was accompanied with a caption referring to him as a teacher of literature.
In 2023, he flaunted a promotional project he completed for the Directorate's academy, which MEMRI added trains Hamas security systems. The video was later publicly shared on the official page of the Hamas-run interior ministry.
Self-inciminating online
The report cited other Facebook posts calling those who carried out deadly terror attacks as heroes. One such example was Izz A-Din Al-Masri, who carried out a suicide attack at a Jerusalem restaurant in 2001 that left 16 dead, including children.
He also had been consistent about resharing Hamas armed wing propaganda videos as well as publicly made anti-Israel sentiments.
Sabbah also reshared content censoring media production around Hamas launch points and fighters.
The report revealed that Sabbah's profile is awash with affiliations with members of the terror organization and the content they produced to share their hate of Israel and Jews.
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