In a recent Israeli military strike on Gaza City, six journalists were killed, with allegations that one of them, Anas Al-Sharif, was the leader of a Hamas cell implicated in attacks on Israeli targets. Al Jazeera reported that four of its journalists, including Al-Sharif, were among those who lost their lives in the strike, which also claimed the life of Mohammed Qreiqeh, another notable journalist with the network.
Al Jazeera expressed profound dismay at the killings, labelling them an attempt to silence influential voices amid ongoing tensions in Gaza. Palestinian journalists’ organisations have condemned the incident, while international press freedom groups had previously raised alarms about threats to Al-Sharif, highlighting concerns over his safety due to his reporting from the region. Notably, UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan mentioned last month that the accusations against him were without credible evidence.
Following Al-Sharif’s death, his Instagram account featured what was described as his “last message,” in which he urged others not to be silenced and to continue advocating for freedom. “If you are reading this, it means Israel has succeeded in killing me,” he stated, calling for resistance in the face of oppression.
According to reports, Al-Sharif was killed near Al-Shifa Hospital while with other journalists. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed he was involved in facilitating rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers, providing what they presented as evidence of his alleged Hamas connections. In a response prior to his death, Al-Sharif denied any political affiliations, asserting he was solely a journalist dedicated to truthfully reporting events in Gaza.
His tragic passing has been part of a broader context, with the Committee to Protect Journalists noting that 186 journalists have died due to Israeli strikes since the onset of conflict nearly two years ago. The UN has condemned the Israeli army’s repeated threats against Al-Sharif, labelling the actions as unfounded and alarming. Al-Sharif, a dedicated journalist and a father of two, had prepared a heartfelt message for his loved ones, urging them to strive for dignity and freedom for their homeland in the wake of his untimely death.