HomeWorldIsraeli Airstrike Kills Al Jazeera Journalist Anas Al Sharif in Gaza; Israel...

Israeli Airstrike Kills Al Jazeera Journalist Anas Al Sharif in Gaza; Israel Labels Him Hamas Commander, Media Outlets Cry Foul

Gaza City: Anas Al Sharif, 28, one of the most prominent journalists in Gaza, was killed along with four other Al Jazeera reporters and an assistant when an Israeli airstrike struck a tent used by the press outside al-Shifa Hospital in eastern Gaza City on Sunday, according to Al Jazeera.

The Israeli military alleged that Al Sharif was a Hamas cell leader “responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and troops,” claiming this was based on intelligence and seized documents.

Al Jazeera strongly rejected these claims, describing them as “baseless” and accusing Israel of carrying out a “desperate attempt to silence voices ahead of Gaza’s occupation.” The network said, “Anas Al Sharif and his colleagues were among the last remaining voices in Gaza conveying the tragic reality to the world.”

Al Sharif’s X account, which had over 500,000 followers, showed that he was actively posting updates mere minutes before the strike, documenting the relentless bombardment of Gaza City.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the killing, saying Israel had a “pattern” of labeling reporters as militants without providing credible evidence. CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa Director, Sara Qudah, stated, “Israel’s pattern of labeling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom.”

UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan had previously warned that Al Sharif’s life was in danger due to his reporting.

In a prepared social media message, meant to be posted in the event of his death, Al Sharif declared he had “never hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or misrepresentation.”

11 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Must Read

spot_img