CNN announced Wednesday that it would no longer utilize the services of Gaza-based freelancer Abdel Qader Sabbah, following revelations of his ties to Hamas, exposed by media watchdog HonestReporting.
HonestReporting’s investigation uncovered that Sabbah had photographed himself with a senior Hamas leader, participated in a Hamas-run body, praised terrorists, and shared anti-Israeli propaganda online. This raised significant concerns about CNN’s vetting procedures and journalistic standards, especially given Sabbah’s prominent contributions to CNN’s coverage during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“This freelance journalist has provided material used in stories for us and other outlets over the past nine months, during which time our own journalists have been barred from entering Gaza independently,” a CNN spokesperson told HonestReporting. “We have reviewed this material carefully and are comfortable that it meets our standards. However, we were not aware of this individual’s historical social posts and recognize that they are highly offensive. In light of this, we will no longer be using his material going forward.”
A survey of Sabbah’s social media activity revealed significant connections to Hamas and a clear bias against Israel. Key findings include:
– **Connections to Hamas Figures**: In 2018, Sabbah posted a selfie with senior Hamas leader Mahmoud A-Zahar, sanctioned by the US Treasury Department for his calls for world domination without Zionists. Sabbah captioned the photo: “This morning, with commander Abu Khaled Al-Zahar, literature teacher…”
– **Service in Hamas-Run Bodies**: Sabbah’s Facebook bio mentions “military service” in 2013. He posted a photo of himself in uniform with the “General Training Directorate,” an entity under the Palestinian Authority’s police and Interior Ministry, but effectively controlled by Hamas in Gaza. In March 2023, Sabbah boasted about making a promotional video for this directorate’s academy, which trains Hamas security personnel.
– **Praise for Terrorists**: In 2014, Sabbah praised Hamas suicide bomber Izz A-Din Al-Masri, who killed 16 people, including children, in a 2001 Jerusalem restaurant bombing. Sabbah called Al-Masri a “hero” when Israel returned his body to the Palestinian Authority 13 years later.
– **Sharing Propaganda and Censorship Instructions**: Sabbah regularly shared Hamas propaganda and media censorship instructions. During the 2021 conflict with Israel, he shared guidelines instructing not to film fighter positions or rocket launch sites. In April 2023, he posted a propaganda video by Hamas’ armed wing titled “Ready” with heart emojis.
Sabbah is the 11th journalist reassigned, suspended, or fired due to HonestReporting’s investigations since August 2022. The exposure of Sabbah’s ties to Hamas has cast a long shadow over CNN’s vetting procedures and journalistic standards.
The White House and the Department of Energy issued statements in opposition to the federal judge’s ruling. A White House spokesperson expressed disappointment with the injunction, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to informed decisions based on sound science. Similarly, a Department of Energy spokesperson voiced disagreement with the ruling and stated the department would continue reviewing the court order and evaluating its next steps.
Opponents of the pause praised the ruling. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey called it a significant win for the energy industry and the millions of jobs it supports, criticizing the Biden administration’s climate agenda.
“This administration’s Energy Department has no such authority to justify this ban – authority on matters like this lies with Congress and Congress alone,” Morrisey stated.
The revelations about Abdel Qader Sabbah’s connections to Hamas have led CNN to sever ties with the freelancer, highlighting the critical importance of rigorous vetting procedures in journalism. As CNN moves forward, the network will need to ensure that all contributors adhere to its standards of impartiality and integrity, especially in conflict zones where propaganda and bias can significantly impact reporting.
