- On August 10, 2025, an Israeli airstrike close to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City claimed the lives of six journalists, with five belonging to Al Jazeera. The casualties comprised prominent journalist Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, camera technicians Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, an additional aide, and freelance reporter Mohammad Al-Khaldi. The event has amplified sorrow and anger throughout media sectors and human rights groups.
- Al Jazeera and advocates for press freedom have condemned the strike as a deliberate assault on journalism.The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) emphasized the worrying pattern of Israeli claims that characterize journalists as militants without substantial evidence
Many regard these descriptions as a justification for suppressing independent journalism.
- This heartbreaking loss occurs during the most lethal conflict ever documented for journalists, with media personnel suffering the greatest impact.As the conflict began in late 2023, over 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza
- Observers caution that these assaults could deter remaining journalists from reporting, exacerbating the information blackout in the encircled area.
- In return, Israeli officials identified al-Sharif as a leader of a Hamas cell engaged in rocket attacks—assertions strongly disputed by Al Jazeera and human rights organizations. The broadcaster referred to the strike as a “targeted assassination” and denounced it as a breach of press freedom amid a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- At only 28, Al-Sharif was among the final frontline reporters documenting starvation, bombardment, and the struggles of civilians
- He had proactively written a heartfelt goodbye note, declaring: “If my words find you, understand that Israel has triumphed in taking my life and silencing me.” His departure creates a significant gap in independent journalism from Gaza
- Responses from worldwide organizations have been prompt. The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression condemned the strike as part of a wider assault on truth, as press advocacy organizations demanded accountability. The fatalities underline a crucial necessity to safeguard journalists in war areas and guarantee access to unbiased reporting.
- As the situation intensifies—with increased Israeli actions in Gaza—reporters and non-combatants are encountering greater danger. The recent murder highlights the serious dangers that media workers face as they strive to document and reveal the truths of warfare to the global audience.\
‘We are watching our colleagues waste away’: Aid workers, doctors, journalists go hungry alongside people in Gaza
Al-Sharif wrote.
The United Nations had previously called Israel’s allegations Al-Sharif was a Hamas operative “online attacks and unfounded accusations.”
- “I am deeply alarmed by repeated threats and accusations of the Israeli army against Anas Al-Sharif, the last surviving journalist of Al Jazeera in northern Gaza,” said Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, two weeks ago.
The journalist’s name was trending on social media across several Arab states on Monday, including in Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Al-Sharif and Al Jazeera were also trending worldwide on X.
Al-Sharif, who was married and had two children, had prepared a final message in the event of his death which was shared by his colleagues.
- “I urge you to care for my beloved daughter, Shams, the light of my eyes, whom time did not allow me to see grow as I had dreamed,” Al-Sharif wrote. “And I recommend you to care for my dear son, Salah, whom I wished to be a support and companion on his journey until he grows strong enough to share the burden and continue the message,” he added.
- “I urge you not to be silenced by chains, nor to be hindered by borders, and to be bridges towards the liberation of the land and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom shines upon our occupied homeland,” Al-Sharif wrote.
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