ABC investigates whether journalist Roshdi Sarraj was aligned with Hamas

The ABC is investigating whether a journalist who once worked for them was a Hamas terrorist, before he was killed in the Gaza conflict of October 2023. 

Freelance cameraman Roshdi Sarraj is now among 170 media workers killed a the same time to be accused by the IDF of being Hamas operatives.

His death p was acknowledged at the time by the ABC’s 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson to mention his passing and express her “condolences” during an episode.

But he has now been accused of being a “military operative in the military wing”.

The matter was raised by shadow communications minister Sarah Henderson in a senate estimates hearing on Tuesday this week.

The ABC’s Editorial Director Gavin Fang said the matter was still being investigated, with broadcaster requesting information from the Israeli Defence Force.

Fang told the hearing, “There have been claims made but we have to act on a bigger evidential base than that.

“Some work that had been done by the Committee for the Protection of Journalists.

“The Committee for the Protection of Journalists has not removed that person from their list of journalists that have been killed.

“Their view is that person was a legitimate journalist.

“We have attempted to get some clarification from the IDF about their position on this and as yet they have not provided us with any evidence to suggest otherwise.”

Henderson said she was “shocked” by Fang's “deeply concerning” response, incredulous that the serious matter had not yet been answered.

She said, “I would say to you that Mr Fang is being completely flippant in relation to this matter."

The ABC has this year come under much scrutiny with respect to its journalists. To read more about the issues, read below:

ABC will change editorial policy after Rinehart violent video broadcast

ABC watchdog finds failings with Mahmood Fazal and Four Corners

ABC backlash grows: interview edited to protect Sarah Ferguson

ABC's Sarah Ferguson 'sold' in funding pitch for husband's film