Piers Morgan Allegedly Blocks Palestinian Journalist Tortured by Hamas
Omar Abd Rabou, a Palestinian journalist from Gaza known for his criticism of Hamas, says TV personality Piers Morgan blocked him on X after he criticized the broadcaster's coverage
On Tuesday, Gaza-based Omar Abd Rabou, a well-known critic of the Hamas terrorist organization, claimed he was blocked on X by Piers Morgan after criticizing him.
The claim comes days after Abd Rabou had publicly appealed to Morgan in a tweet for help escaping Gaza, citing threats from Hamas authorities over his critical reporting.
Background on Abd Rabou's Situation
Abd Rabou has documented multiple physical attacks against him by Hamas operatives, which he says are connected to his critical coverage of the organization's governance in Gaza. According to previous reports by Jewish Onliner, he filed formal complaints with Gaza's Independent Commission for Human Rights following assaults in June and July 2024 that resulted in hospitalization.
The journalist's case is part of a broader pattern of intimidation facing legitimate Palestinian reporters in Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists has documented similar incidents involving other journalists, including correspondent Tawfiq Abu Jarad, who was reportedly beaten and interrogated by masked individuals in Rafah after covering protests critical of Hamas.
Press freedom organizations have noted that “violations by Hamas are underreported due to fear of reprisal.”
International Media Response
The case highlights broader questions about international media coverage of press freedom issues in Gaza. Coverage of Hamas intimidation tactics against Palestinian journalists has received little attention from mainstream international media.
Abd Rabou's allegations against Morgan come amid ongoing debates about how international broadcasters cover the conflict. Morgan, who hosts "Piers Morgan Uncensored" and has millions of followers across social media platforms, has frequently addressed journalist safety issues but has not publicly responded to Abd Rabou's specific appeals or recent blocking allegation.
Online commentators were quick to note Morgan’s apparent double standard. Eylon Levy, a former Israeli government spokesperson, sardonically, remarked:
“Piers Morgan, who spends every show talking about how journalists are blocked from Gaza, just blocked a journalist who says he can’t report freely because Hamas is threatening him.” — Eylon Levy
Neither Morgan nor representatives from his show have responded to requests for comment about Abd Rabou's claims.