Israel Claims Journalist Was Taken Hostage in Gaza Without Providing Evidence

During an Israeli military operation in the central part of the Gaza Strip, three hostages were rescued from a journalist's possession. This was announced on Sunday by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), without presenting any evidence to support their claim.

According to the statement from the Israel Defense Forces, the released hostages, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, were held by journalist Abdallah Aljamali and his family in their home located in the Central Gaza camp.

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

There are varying reports concerning the number of killed Palestinians. According to the latest figures from Gaza authorities, 274 Palestinians have been killed and 698 injured, marking one of the deadliest days for Gaza residents in recent months. The IDF has denied these figures, stating that, in their estimate, the number of casualties from the operation is "less than 100." CNN has not been able to independently verify the figures provided by either side.

Aljamal was reportedly killed during the IDF operation along with his wife and father, according to Rami Abdur, president of the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, referencing preliminary testimonies gathered by the group to document the alleged killings in the Nuseirat camp on Saturday.

According to Euro-Med, Aljamal lived on the first floor of a multi-story building, while the IDF reported that the hostages were found on the third floor.