Five Al Jazeera journalists, including renowned reporter Anas al-Sharif, were k!lled in an Israeli strike near Gaza City’s Al-Shifa Hospital, the broadcaster has confirmed
Al-Sharif, along with correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa, were in a journalists’ tent at the hospital’s main gate when the attack occurred, Al Jazeera reported.
The broadcaster condemned the strike as a “targeted a.ssas.sination” and described it as “yet another blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged targeting Anas al-Sharif, accusing him of leading a Hamas terrorist cell and facilitating rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and troops.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed shock at the attack and criticized Israel for failing to provide evidence supporting its claims against al-Sharif.
CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg told the BBC, “This is a pattern we’ve seen from Israel — not just in the current war but for decades — where journalists k!lled by Israeli forces are labeled terrorists after the fact, with little evidence provided.”
Al Jazeera’s managing editor, Mohamed Moawad, affirmed that al-Sharif was an accredited journalist and “the only voice” providing the world with news from Gaza.
He stressed that the journalists were targeted while in a safe area, not on the front lines, saying, “The Israeli government is aiming to silence any reporting from inside Gaza, something unprecedented in modern history.”
Due to restrictions, international journalists have been barred from entering Gaza, forcing many news outlets to rely on local reporters like al-Sharif for coverage.
Last month, Al Jazeera, the United Nations, and the CPJ issued separate warnings about threats to al-Sharif’s safety, calling for his protection.
Al-Sharif, 28, appeared to post on social media just before his de.ath, alerting to heavy Israeli bombardment in Gaza City. A post published after his de.ath was reportedly pre-written and shared by a friend.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
It’s so unfortunate