ABC seeks evidence on Gaza freelancer’s alleged Hamas links

The ABC says it is investigating claims that Gaza-based freelancer Roshdi Sarraj, who supplied footage to its 7.30 programme, had links to Hamas. Its executives told a Senate hearing they take the allegations seriously but will seek further evidence from Israeli authorities before reaching a conclusion, a matter with implications for how the broadcaster uses local sources in restricted areas.

Sarraj, 31, was killed in an Israeli air strike on 22 October 2023 and had been publicly praised by 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson. ABC editorial director Gavin Fang said the broadcaster had asked the Israel Defense Forces for evidence but had not received material that would establish the claim. Managing director Hugh Marks said the ABC sometimes uses local contractors for footage or access in places such as Gaza, and that it vets material; he could not confirm whether every name on a relevant journalists’ list had been checked individually.