Controversy Erupts as Israeli Army Accuses Al Jazeera Journalists of Militant Ties

Israeli army accused six Al Jazeera journalists, all Palestinian men, of being affiliated with militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Al Jazeera denied claims, calling them fabricated. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions amidst the Gaza conflict, drawing criticism from the Committee to Protect Journalists.

In a statement released Wednesday, the Israeli army accused six journalists employed by the pan-Arab network Al Jazeera of being either current or former paid fighters with ties to Palestinian militant groups. All the accused journalists are Palestinian men.

Al Jazeera promptly denied these allegations, labeling them as fabricated and part of a broader pattern of hostility aimed at silencing the network's coverage of the conflict in Gaza. The network dismissed the accusations, stating they were intended to obscure the harsh realities of the war.

The Committee to Protect Journalists criticized Israel's allegations, noting previous unproven claims and citing concerns for the safety of journalists in conflict zones. This development comes amid ongoing disputes over Al Jazeera's operations and reporting in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)