These influencers, who identify as independent journalists, are often seen sporting blue press vests and helmets. They have also reportedly found refuge in Al-Shifa hospital, which the IDF recently disclosed serves as a Hamas command and control center, providing them with access to electricity and the internet.

Another influential figure is Bisan Ouda (known as @wizard_bisan1 on Instagram), who presents herself as a filmmaker hailing from Gaza, Palestine, with a substantial following numbering in the hundreds of thousands. She maintains an active presence on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, as well. …

Following the October 7 massacre, she posted a note in Arabic on social media:

“For every action, there is a reaction. This means: What was expected after 75 years of occupation and 17 years of siege? … What was expected of us? … Would the families of the prisoners remain silent?”

Ouda has been quoted as “an ambassador of goodwill” on ABC News, and she has been interviewed and legitimized on the BBC, to cite a couple of examples.

[It’s not clear whether these people are actually in the pay of Hamas or simply true believers who willingly stan for them on social media. It’s not surprising, either way, that ABC News promoted one of them as a “goodwill ambassador.” They’re one of the outlets that failed to report on Ghazi Hamad’s declaration of utter annihilation for Israel, too. — Ed]