A deadly Israeli airstrike near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City has killed five Al Jazeera journalists, the network confirmed. Among the victims were correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, along with cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal. The strike targeted a tent used by the press outside the hospital’s main gate, killing seven people in total, according to Al Jazeera.
Shortly after the attack, the Israeli military admitted to targeting Anas al-Sharif, accusing him of being a Hamas terrorist who posed as a journalist. The IDF claimed he served as the head of a Hamas terrorist cell responsible for advancing rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and troops. Al-Sharif, 28, was a well-known correspondent reporting extensively from northern Gaza, often sharing updates and videos from active conflict zones. Moments before his death, he posted on X about “intense, concentrated Israeli bombardment” in Gaza City. A final pre-written post, reportedly published by a friend, read, “If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed outrage, stating that Israel’s repeated labeling of journalists as militants without credible evidence raises serious concerns about its respect for press freedom. CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah emphasized that “journalists are civilians and must never be targeted,” calling for accountability for those responsible. The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate condemned the strike as a bloody crime and an assassination of the press.
This incident adds to the growing toll on media workers during the 22-month war in Gaza, where around 200 journalists have been killed. Israel and Al Jazeera have a long-standing contentious relationship, with Israel banning the network domestically and raiding its offices. Qatar, which funds Al Jazeera, also hosts the Hamas political leadership and has been a key venue for indirect Israel-Hamas talks. The deaths of these journalists are likely to intensify global debate over media safety and the targeting of reporters in conflict zones.
