# Motaz Azaiza statements on October 7 footage and Gaza media

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/motaz-azaiza-statements-on-october-7-footage-and-gaza-media
> Updated: 2026-09-21T18:18:50.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Gazan photojournalist Motaz Azaiza has admitted to filming footage of Israeli hostages being beaten by a crowd during the October 7 attacks but deliberately chose not to release the videos. Azaiza stated he withheld the footage because he feared Israel would use it to identify and kill the individuals involved, noting, “I did not want to ruin the lives of the people who were filmed.”

Azaiza also provided accounts regarding media control in Gaza. He described a system where journalists are part of a Hamas-run WhatsApp group used to coordinate coverage. He claimed that journalists face intimidation and targeting from pro-Hamas media if they publish content critical of the organization or footage of residents expressing dissatisfaction with Hamas leadership.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Motaz Azaiza admits withholding footage of October 7 hostage beatings

Gaza photojournalist Motaz Azaiza admitted to withholding footage of Israeli hostages being beaten on October 7 to protect the perpetrators and claimed Hamas controls media coverage via a WhatsApp group.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/motaz-azaiza-admits-withholding-footage-of-october-7-hostage-beatings

### 2026-09-18: Motaz Azaiza admits to withholding footage of October 7 hostage attacks

Gazan photographer Motaz Azaiza admitted to filming the October 7 attacks on Israeli hostages but withheld the footage to protect the attackers from Israeli retaliation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/motaz-azaiza-admits-to-withholding-footage-of-october-7-hostage-attacks

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Cite as: Motaz Azaiza statements on October 7 footage and Gaza media. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/motaz-azaiza-statements-on-october-7-footage-and-gaza-media