On November 23, 2023, Mohamed Mouin Ayyash, a Palestinian journalist and freelance photographer, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his home in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, along with 20 members of his family.
In June 2026, CPJ undertook a review of its documentation of journalists and media workers killed in the Israel-Gaza war since 2023.
As part of that review, CPJ identified and examined a video circulating on Telegram featuring an image of a face-covered militant that the channel claimed was Ayyash, and was not able to verify those claims.
CPJ conducted desk research and interviewed two independent and credible sources, as well as Ayyash’s brother, who said he was not involved in any combat activities or affiliated with any armed group. Eyewitness accounts place Ayyash in the field working as a photojournalist, with some in contact with him the day of his killing.
Based on the evidence available, CPJ found no indication that Ayyash participated in combat activities and therefore has retained him in its database as a journalist.
This determination reflects the evidence available to CPJ at the time of its verification process. CPJ continues to review its documentation when credible new information emerges and updates its records where warranted.