New research indicates that a number of individuals initially reported as civilian casualties in Gaza were later identified by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad as members of their armed wings, despite holding public roles in healthcare or media. Analysts reviewing death notices and militant group announcements say these disclosures challenge claims that Israeli forces deliberately targeted only civilians.

Several cases involve medical professionals who were mourned by hospitals or health organizations but were later described by militant groups as commanders or operatives. One physiotherapist employed by Médecins sans frontières was publicly identified by Palestinian Islamic Jihad as affiliated with its military manufacturing unit after his death. The aid organization said it had no prior knowledge of any militant ties and would not knowingly employ anyone engaged in armed activity.

Researchers also cited examples of nurses, hospital administrators, and health ministry officials who were later claimed by Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad as fighters or commanders. Media watchdog groups reported similar findings involving journalists and media workers who were described by militant factions as members of their armed wings.

Analysts say the pattern suggests that armed groups may have systematically embedded operatives within civilian sectors, complicating casualty reporting and raising broader questions about the accuracy of wartime death toll classifications in Gaza.