CNN Cuts Ties with Gaza Journalist Linked to Hamas

CNN Severs Ties with Gaza-based Freelance Journalist Linked to Hamas
CNN has decided to discontinue its use of work from Abdel Qader Sabbah, a Gaza-based freelance journalist with documented ties to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. This decision follows an investigation by media watchdog HonestReporting, which revealed Sabbah’s past employment with Hamas and his promotion of the group on social media.
Sabbah had contributed material to CNN and other media outlets over the past nine months, a period during which CNN’s own journalists were barred from independently entering Gaza. Despite initially finding his work to meet their standards, CNN ceased using Sabbah’s contributions after learning about his previous social media posts, which they deemed highly offensive.
The HonestReporting investigation highlighted Sabbah’s close association with senior Hamas leaders, his work for Hamas-run bodies, and his promotion of anti-Israel propaganda. Sabbah had posted photos with Hamas co-founder Mahmoud A-Zahar and praised suicide bombers. Furthermore, during the 2021 Hamas-Israel conflict, Sabbah shared Hamas censorship guidelines.
HonestReporting’s report also noted that Sabbah’s work was featured by the Associated Press (AP), which has not yet responded to inquiries about their association with him. The media watchdog emphasized that Sabbah’s actions disqualify him from being considered an objective journalist.
In a broader context, HonestReporting and the National Jewish Advocacy Center have raised concerns about other freelance journalists working with major news outlets like AP and The New York Times, questioning their potential foreknowledge and involvement in Hamas-led terrorist activities. A lawsuit has been filed against AP for allegedly paying reporters who were complicit in the October 7th attacks.