Israel alleges journalist held hostages in Gaza, without providing evidence

Three hostages rescued during a deadly Israeli military operation on the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza were held captive by a journalist, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) alleged Sunday, without providing evidence to support their claim.

In a statement, the IDF claimed freed hostages Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Ziv were held by journalist Abdallah Aljamal and his family members at their home in the central Gaza camp.

The three men, who were kidnapped by Hamas militants from the Nova music festival on October 7, were rescued after being held captive for 246 days, in an IDF special operation on Saturday along with a fourth hostage, Noa Argamani.

There are varying reports on the number of Palestinians killed during the operation. The latest figures from Gazan authorities say 274 Palestinians were killed and 698 injured – which would mark one of the deadliest days in months for people living in Gaza.