Gaza: Broadcaster Al Jazeera has claimed that five of its journalists were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza on Sunday. The five were among seven who died after a press tent outside Al-Shifa Hospital’s main gate was hit, it has been reported.
The channel has identified its journalists as Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreigeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa and Mohammed Noufal. Israel admitted targetting Anas al-Sharif, who the country labelled a ‘terrorist’ heading a ‘terrorist cell’ in Hamas.
Anas (28) had been posting on X moments before his death. He reported intensified Israeli bombardment within Gaza City. A post, which appeared pre-written and posted by a friend, was published from his account after he was reported to have died.
“If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice,” the post stated.
Nearly 200 media personnel have been killed in the 22-month war in Gaza.
“Al-Sharif, 28, was killed on Sunday after a tent for journalists outside the main gate of the hospital was hit. The well-known Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent reported extensively from northern Gaza,” the Qatar-based news channel posted on X.
In an emotional clip, an Al Jazeera anchor was seen fighting back tears as he reported on the death of his colleagues.
In response, the Israeli military posted: “A short while ago, in Gaza City, the IDF struck the terrorist Anas Al-Sharif, who posed as a journalist for the Al Jazeera network.”
“Anas Al-Sharif served as the head of a terrorist cell in the Hamas terrorist organisation and was responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops,” it added.
Al Jazeera has called Anas one of the channel’s most recognisable faces working on the ground in Gaza, providing daily reports in regular coverage.
Following a press conference by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, where the premier defended approving a new offensive in Gaza, Anas had posted messages on X describing “intense, concentrated Israeli bombardment” on Gaza City.
One of his final messages included a short video showing nearby Israeli strikes hitting Gaza City.
In July, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement calling for his protection as it accused the Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee of stepping up online attacks on the reporter by alleging that he was a Hamas terrorist.
Following the attack, the CPJ said it was “appalled” to learn of the journalists’ deaths.
“Israel’s pattern of labelling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom,” CPJ regional director Sara Qudah has said.
“Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. Those responsible for these killings must be held accountable,” she added.
The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate condemned what it described as a “bloody crime” of assassination.
Israel and Al Jazeera have had a contentious relationship for years, with Israeli authorities banning the channel in the country and raiding its offices following the latest war in Gaza. Qatar, which partly funds Al Jazeera, has hosted an office for the Hamas political leadership for years and been a frequent venue for indirect talks between Israel and the group.
