Five Al Jazeera journalists have been killed in what the network calls a targeted Israeli air strike on a journalists’ tent near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
The strike wiped out the network’s entire reporting team in the area.
Those killed include veteran Arabic correspondent Anas al-Sharif, fellow journalist Mohammed Qreiqeh, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa.
Seven people died in total in the bombing.
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Al Jazeera described the incident as “yet another blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom” and held Israel responsible.
The network said al-Sharif, 28, had reported extensively from northern Gaza and had recently spoken online about “relentless bombings” in the area.
Just after his death, a post appeared on al-Sharif’s social media account, reading:
“This is my will and my final message. If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.”
“Do not forget Gaza… and do not forget me in your righteous prayers for forgiveness and acceptance.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike and accused al-Sharif of being “the head of a terrorist cell in the Hamas terrorist organisation,” stating he “posed as a journalist.”
“The IDF struck the terrorist Anas Al-Sharif, who posed as a journalist for the Al Jazeera network,” a military statement said.
Al Jazeera and press freedom organisations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), rejected the Israeli claims, calling them unsubstantiated.
“Israel’s pattern of labelling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom,” said CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa director Sara Qudah.
UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan had previously warned that al-Sharif’s life was in danger, stating last month that Israel’s claims lacked evidence.
The CPJ says at least 186 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
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