On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike struck a tent near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City where journalists were gathered. Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al Sharif, along with Mohammed Qreiqeh and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and freelance cameraman Moamen Aliwa, were killed. A sixth journalist, Mohammed al Khalidi, and another person also died in the attack.
The UN Human Rights Office condemned the attack as a “grave breach of international humanitarian law,” urging that journalists be protected and allowed safe access to Gaza.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an independent and impartial investigation into the killings.
The European Union demanded that Israel provide clear evidence for its claims that the journalists were militants, warning against targeting media workers without proof.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry labelled the killings absolutely unacceptable and demanded transparency from Israel.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office expressed grave concern and insisted that journalists must be able to work safely and without fear.
Media freedom groups, including CPJ, RSF, and the International Federation of Journalists, strongly condemned the killings and called it a violation of press freedom and international law.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that al Sharif was a Hamas cell leader involved in planning rocket attacks and presented documents such as personnel lists and directories as proof.
However, Al Jazeera, multiple press freedom organizations, and the UN rejected these allegations, citing lack of credible evidence.
This is part of a growing trend of journalists killed in Gaza. CPJ reports this war is the deadliest for journalists since record-keeping began, with over 180 killed.
The attack significantly reduces the number of journalists able to report from Gaza, where foreign media are barred, and leaving local journalists as the only witnesses.
Anas al Sharif, a well-known and respected correspondent, had built a reputation for brave, on-the-ground reporting on famine and civilian suffering. His death has triggered widespread condemnation.
