Gaza City One of Al Jazeera’s most recognisable journalists in Gaza, Anas al-Sharif, was killed along with four other reporters in what the network has called a targeted Israeli airstrike. Seven people were killed in the Sunday attack outside al-Shifa Hospital, which hit a tent built for journalists.
Al Jazeera’s reporting staff in Gaza City was basically wiped out by the deaths of camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa, as well as fellow correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh.
Israel Alleges Hamas Ties and Admits Strike
Al-Sharif was the leader of a Hamas cell that intended rocket attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians, according to the Israel Defence Force (IDF), which acknowledged responsibility. Israeli officials called him a militant “posing as a journalist” and said they had intelligence and documents from Gaza to back up their claims.
The United Nations, press freedom groups, and rights advocates have all strongly denied these charges, claiming that no credible evidence has been offered. Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur, stated the accusations as “unsubstantiated” and cautioned that they constituted a direct attack on journalists.
A Record of Dangers
For weeks before his death, Israel had openly threatened 28-year-old al-Sharif. He told the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in July that he was always afraid of being “bombed and martyred at any moment.”
In an effort to intimidate and discredit him, Israeli military spokesperson Avichai Adraee posted a video last month accusing him of being part of Hamas’ military wing. Al Jazeera and international observers declined the claim.
Last Seconds Before the Attack
Al-Sharif wrote on X about the heavy “fire belt” bombardments on Gaza City just minutes before he passed away. A message he had written weeks prior was included in a post that was made to his account following his passing:
“Know that Israel has been successful in killing me and stifling my voice if these words reach you. Allah is aware that I did everything in my ability to stand up for my people.
The seasoned journalist departs from his spouse and two small children. In December 2023, an Israeli airstrike on the family’s home in the Jabalia refugee camp killed his father. He carried on to report from the frontline in northern Gaza despite suffering a personal loss.
Worldwide Condemnation
He was referred to by Al Jazeera as “one of Gaza’s bravest journalists,” and the attack was characterised as “a desperate attempt to silence voices” in advance of the occupation of Gaza. While Hamas warned that the killing was a component of a larger plan to launch a new offensive in Gaza City, the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate called it a “bloody crime.”
The CPJ denounced the strike and condemned Israel for its practice of intentionally accusing journalists of being militants. They emphasised that journalists must never be targeted because they are regarded as civilians under international law.
Targeting Journalists in a Pattern
Al Jazeera has previously experienced fatal losses in Gaza. Some of the recent victims are:
- In March, Hossam Shabat was killed.
- August saw the deaths of cameraman Rami al-Rifi and Ismail al-Ghoul.
- In October 2023, Wael al-Dahdouh’s wife, son, daughter, and grandson were all killed; Dahdouh was later hurt in a strike that declared the life of cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa.
Since the war started on October 7, 2023, 237 journalists have been killed, according to the Gaza government media office, while CPJ reports at least 186 journalist deaths.
The Gaza War and Humanitarian Crisis
Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and captivated 251 hostages in their attack on southern Israel, sparking the current conflict. Of the 50 hostages still alive, Israel says 20 are still alive.
Health officials in Gaza say the number of Palestinian casualties has risen to over 61,000. Malnutrition and famine are becoming worse; 217 people, including 100 children, have been reported dead from starvation. There are still numerous limitations on aid delivery, and some countries are using risky airdrops that have killed at least 23 people.
European countries have warned that Israel’s planned offensive in Gaza City will only make things worse. These countries include Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom. Israel blames Hamas for shortages and denies blocking aid.
Political Reaction
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, stated his intention to defeat Hamas and discharge the remaining hostages in order to “complete the job.” A plan to take over Gaza City has been approved by his government.
The United States has called for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and assured to continue backing Israel. Donald Trump was recently thanked by Netanyahu for his “steadfast support” throughout the war.
The death of Anas al-Sharif is a massive explode to Gazan journalism. For many, his passing represents not only the risks that journalists encounter in conflict areas but also the pressing need for accountability in cases where journalists are singled out.
