GAZA CITY, Palestine — The Israeli military has confirmed it carried out the attack that killed Anas al-Sharif, a prominent Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent, and four colleagues in a strike on a journalists’ tent outside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
The military statement alleged that al-Sharif was operating “under the pretence of an Al Jazeera journalist” while actually working for Hamas. It added that precautions were taken to minimise civilian harm prior to the strike. The attack killed at least five journalists and has intensified criticism amid an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The strike came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly announced plans to allow some foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip, a region from which media access has been heavily restricted since the outbreak of hostilities. Netanyahu told reporters in Jerusalem that while security posed challenges, it was possible to facilitate responsible media coverage.
Despite these remarks, Israel has systematically barred foreign media entry into Gaza and has been accused of deliberately targeting local Palestinian journalists. Since October 2023, nearly 200 journalists have reportedly been killed, including ten Al Jazeera staff. Previous victims from the network include Samer Abudaqa, Ismael Al-Ghoul, Ahmed Al-Louh, Hossam Shabat, and Hamza Dahdouh, son of Al Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief.
Journalists on the ground face ongoing intimidation and violence. Observers say the targeting appears to be a deliberate attempt to silence independent reporting that challenges official narratives.
Al-Sharif’s final message, posted on his social media account before his death, poignantly captured his commitment to truth and the plight of his people. He wrote:
“If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. I have exerted every effort to be a support and a voice for my people, from the alleys of Jabalia refugee camp. I lived the pain in all its details, tasted grief repeatedly, yet never hesitated to convey the truth without distortion.
I entrust you with Palestine—the crown jewel of the Muslim world—and its oppressed children, crushed under thousands of tons of bombs. Be bridges towards the liberation of our land until the sun of dignity and freedom rises.”
He also entrusted the care of his family to the public, expressing faith in their resilience amid tragedy.
Al-Sharif’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in conflict zones and raises urgent questions about the protection of press freedom amid ongoing violence in Gaza.
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