Israel’s military has killed five Al Jazeera journalists in a targeted airstrike on a tent housing media workers near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed calls for journalist protections.
The attack, which occurred late on Sunday evening, claimed the lives of correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Moamen Aliwa, and assistant Mohammed Noufal.
Two other unnamed Palestinians also perished in the strike, bringing the total death toll to seven.
The assault has been described as a deliberate attempt to silence journalists reporting on Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.
The Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the killings as “yet another blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom.”
The network highlighted that the journalists were among the few remaining voices providing unfiltered coverage of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, including famine and malnutrition.
Anas al-Sharif, a 28-year-old father of two, was a prominent figure known for his extensive reporting from northern Gaza.
Hours before his death, he posted a video on X capturing Israel’s intense missile strikes, describing “fire belts” targeting eastern and southern Gaza City.
His final message, written months earlier, expressed grief over leaving his family and condemned the international community’s silence amid the ongoing violence.
The Israeli military confirmed it deliberately targeted al-Sharif, alleging he was a Hamas operative leading a terrorist cell responsible for rocket attacks.
However, rights groups and analysts, including Muhammed Shehada from Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, rejected these claims, stating there was “zero evidence” of al-Sharif’s involvement in hostilities.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) noted that Israel’s accusations against journalists often lack credible evidence, forming part of a pattern to discredit reporting on alleged abuses.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) strongly condemned the strike, urging the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting based on Resolution 2222 to protect journalists in conflict zones.
RSF also criticized the EU, UK, and US for failing to act on prior warnings about al-Sharif’s safety.
The killings have drawn sharp criticism from international figures and organizations.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani described the attack as revealing “crimes beyond imagination,” lamenting the international community’s inability to halt the tragedy.
European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib called the strike “a direct hit on freedom of the press,” emphasizing the need to protect civilians and safeguard journalists.
At Sheikh Radwan Cemetery, large crowds, including fellow journalists, mourned the slain media workers, with some raising a “press” flak jacket in protest.
The attack comes amid Israel’s plans to seize Gaza City, raising fears that the targeting of journalists is intended to limit coverage of potential atrocities.
With over 200 journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023, rights groups warn that the loss of these voices risks creating an information blackout, shielding Israel from scrutiny as the genocide continues.