Gaza photographer uncovered as Hamas propagandist, German investigation discovered

As images of hungry Palestinian youngsters holding empty pots sparked mass protests condemning Israel for Gaza hunger and influenced worldwide politics worldwide, a German investigation by Süddeutsche Zeitung reveals these highly effective photos could also be systematically staged as a part of Hamas terrorist propaganda operations, BILD reported.

One broadly circulated {photograph} just lately confirmed determined individuals gathered earlier than a meals distribution truck. Photographer Anas Zayed Fteiha, allegedly a contract journalist commissioned by Turkish information company Anadolu, stood going through the gang. According to BILD, the sequence reveals individuals waving their containers earlier than receiving meals distribution; nevertheless, Fteiha didn’t present these follow-up photos and failed to answer BILD’s inquiry about which pictures he captured there.

https://twitter.com/MagnusRanstorp/status/1952762397925523897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” rel=”noopener

The investigation discovered that whereas different photographers documented grownup males efficiently receiving meals distribution at this scene, Fteiha seems to selectively doc solely preliminary desperation whereas omitting proof of profitable meals distribution, relating it to his private views on the Gaza War. Fteiha’s Instagram account options “Free Palestine” paintings depicting him in fight gear labeled “Press,” created by an artist who overtly expresses hatred towards Jews, and the investigation additionally discovered a video headlined “F**k Israel” on his social media. Beyond his social media posts, the photographer works with europe.palestine.community, which describes itself as a “pro-Palestinian collective” conducting “global actions in Europe” that paperwork Palestinian hardship in Gaza whereas selling “resistance” towards Israel internationally.

Turkish state company connection

Fteiha works as a photographer and video correspondent for a information group instantly managed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has promoted, financed, and harbored Hamas terrorists over a number of years, in line with BILD.

The German publication contacted picture businesses about utilizing pictures from Fteiha. Deutsche Presse-Agentur and Agence France-Presse confirmed they keep away from working with Fteiha and study photographers’ backgrounds earlier than publication. Reuters said their images “satisfy standards for accuracy, independence, and impartiality.” The German Journalists’ Association advised BILD that opponents strategically deploy photos to affect public opinion, noting that Israel’s prohibition on impartial reporters getting into Gaza has created circumstances the place practically completely Palestinian photographers function throughout the territory.

Hamas controls Gaza imagery

The investigation discovered that most of the Palestinian photographers who function throughout the Gaza Strip have Hamas connections. Historian and pictures knowledgeable Gerhard Paul advised Süddeutsche Zeitung that “In southern Gaza, Hamas controls 100 percent of image production,” to generate Western sympathy whereas inflaming anger towards Israel, in line with Paul, a technique that was utilized by Hamas and different Palestinian terror organizations earlier than.