Survivors Sue Al Jazeera Over Alleged Ties to Hamas and Violence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of survivors from the October 7, 2023, attacks is suing the Al Jazeera network, alleging it has aided terrorist organizations Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in promoting violence and propaganda. The lawsuit, filed on February 23, 2025, in a U.S. District Court, claims Al Jazeera played a significant role in recruiting members of these militant groups by employing them as journalists.

Morris Schnaider, a key plaintiff and maternal uncle of Shiri Bibas, who was abducted by Hamas, is among the group of survivors bringing the lawsuit. Schnaider’s family reflects the personal tragedies profoundly intertwined with these events, as both his sister and brother-in-law were reportedly killed during the attacks.

The lawsuit seeks financial restitution and justice for the survivors and the families affected by the violence, stating that Al Jazeera’s actions contributed to the October 7 tragedy and the conflict that followed. Advocating for the plaintiffs is Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, founder of the Israel Law Center, an organization focused on combating terrorism and protecting Jewish rights.

According to reports, the Israel Law Center has a history of attempting legal action against organizations it believes finance Hamas and has previously targeted the political advocacy group Students for Justice in Palestine for its support of Palestinian rights.

Al Jazeera, which has its base in Qatar, has long been a contentious presence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israeli authorities have continually expressed concerns over the network’s reporting, which they allege incites violence against the state. Throughout Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which escalated in October 2023, Al Jazeera journalists have faced increasing hostility, including arrests and threats to their lives.

In January, the Palestinian Authority suspended Al Jazeera’s television broadcast, accusing the organization of disseminating inflammatory material. A committee comprising officials from various ministries stated that the network had violated local regulations and expressed frustration over its involvement in Palestinian internal affairs. This suspension was presented as a necessary step to maintain public order.

Further escalating tensions, in May 2024, Israeli forces prohibited access to Al Jazeera’s website within the country after a raid on its East Jerusalem office, where vital equipment was confiscated. In September 2024, additional action was taken as Israeli military personnel stormed Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, demanding a halt to its operations.

As of the time of publishing, both Al Jazeera and the Israel Law Center had not provided comments in response to inquiries regarding the suit.