Israel's military has operated a covert intelligence unit aimed at discrediting Palestinian journalists in Gaza by falsely linking them to militant groups, according to a report by +972 Magazine. The so-called 'legitimization cell' was established after the October attacks to counter international criticism of Israel's targeting of media workers and to maintain global support for its military campaign. The unit's activities came to light following the killing of Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al-Sharif and three colleagues in a targeted airstrike, which Israel justified by accusing Al-Sharif of being a militant commander without providing credible evidence. Press freedom groups and human rights organizations have condemned these actions, accusing Israel of weaponizing unverified intelligence to legitimize attacks on journalists and calling for independent investigations into the deaths of media workers in Gaza. Palestinian journalists, who are the main source of news from Gaza due to restrictions on foreign media, have faced increasing threats and smear campaigns amid ongoing conflict.