Edith Hejberg
Late Sunday night, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed seven people, including at least four Al Jazeera journalists.
The attack has drawn global attention due to the high-profile status of one victim, Anas Al-Sharif, who was widely known for his reporting from inside the besieged territory.
Targeting of Anas Al-Sharif
The Israeli military confirmed it targeted Al-Sharif, accusing him of leading a Hamas cell, a charge the journalist had denied multiple times.
Al-Sharif had been a prominent voice in the conflict, often broadcasting from areas under bombardment.
Other Journalists Killed
Alongside Al-Sharif, Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Qreiqeh and photojournalists Ibrahim Al Thaher and Mohamed Nofal were also killed, according to the network.
The strike happened near Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, where the journalists were sheltering in a tent marked “Press.”
Al Jazeera Condemns Attack
Al Jazeera condemned the killings as “a desperate attempt to silence voices ahead of the occupation of Gaza.” The network called Al-Sharif one of Gaza’s “bravest journalists,” praising his commitment to telling the truth despite escalating threats.
Al-Sharif’s Final Words
Minutes before his death, Al-Sharif posted a stark warning on social media: “If this madness does not end, Gaza will be reduced to ruins… history will remember you as silent witnesses to a genocide you chose not to stop.”
His words have since been widely shared.
Ongoing Dispute Over Allegations
The Israel Defense Forces maintain that Al-Sharif was tied to Hamas, citing documents allegedly proving his involvement.
The United Nations, however, previously dismissed such claims as “unfounded accusations” and “online attacks.”
A History of Warnings
In July, the Committee to Protect Journalists expressed grave concern for Al-Sharif’s safety, noting he feared an Israeli “smear campaign” was a prelude to assassination.
Since the war began, 186 journalists have been killed, 178 of them Palestinians.
Media Access Restrictions
International journalists have been barred from entering Gaza independently since the start of the war.
Hours before the fatal strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced they would be allowed in, but only with Israeli military escorts and approval.
The Human Cost for Local Reporters
Palestinian reporters for networks like Al Jazeera have continued working under the same extreme hardships as the rest of the population, often without food, safety, or shelter.
Hamas has accused Israel of deliberately targeting journalists to suppress coverage.
A Father’s Final Message
Al-Sharif, a husband and father of two, left behind a farewell letter. He urged loved ones to care for his children, Shams and Salah, and called on others “not to be silenced by chains… until the sun of dignity and freedom shines upon our occupied homeland.”
