Israeli Airstrike Murders Al Jazeera Journalists In Gaza

An Israeli airstrike targeted a tent housing journalists outside Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital on Sunday, killing Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, 28, along with four other Al Jazeera staff members: reporter Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa.

Al-Shifa Hospital is a major medical center that has been largely destroyed over the past 22 months of conflict. Seven people were killed in total, including the five Al Jazeera staff and two bystanders.

In the moments before his death, al-Sharif posted a video on social media showing intense Israeli bombardment in Gaza City, warning of "fire belts" being used on the eastern and southern parts of the city. He had previously written a final message, expressing his sorrow for his family and his unwavering commitment to reporting the truth without distortion, stating he "never hesitated for a single day to convey the truth as it is."

Al Jazeera confirmed the deaths of its staff and condemned the strike, describing al-Sharif as a well-known and courageous reporter who had extensively covered northern Gaza. The network had recently denounced the Israeli military for a "campaign of incitement" against its reporters, including al-Sharif, who had been repeatedly threatened.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also confirmed the strike, claiming al-Sharif was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell and responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and military forces, citing intelligence and documents found in Gaza.

The IDF claimed the documents found in Gaza provided "unequivocal proof" of al-Sharif's military affiliation with Hamas. However, analysts and human rights groups have stated there is "zero evidence" of his involvement in hostilities, asserting his entire routine was reporting from the front lines.

The Committee to Protect Journalists and the UN have expressed grave concern, warning that such accusations are part of "campaign of incitement" and "smear campaign" to discredit journalists and justify their killing.

Al-Sharif, a graduate of Al-Aqsa University, was a prominent voice for Al Jazeera Arabic since the war began in October 2023.