Al Jazeera has confirmed that five of its journalists — including prominent correspondent Anas Al-Sharif — were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a tent used by media workers outside a hospital in Gaza City on Sunday.
The broadcaster identified the other victims as reporter Mohammed Qreiqeh and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa.
Al-Sharif, 28, was known for his extensive reporting from northern Gaza throughout the war.
Israeli Military Labels Al-Sharif “Terrorist”
In a statement, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) admitted to targeting Al-Sharif, calling him “a terrorist” and “head of a Hamas terrorist cell responsible for rocket attacks.”
“A short while ago, in Gaza City, the IDF struck the terrorist Anas Al-Sharif, who posed as a journalist for the Al Jazeera network,” the military said via Telegram.
Condemnation from Press Freedom Groups
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed outrage, saying:
“Israel’s pattern of labelling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom,” said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah.
“Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. Those responsible for these killings must be held accountable.”
The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate denounced the strike as a “bloody crime” of assassination.
Tense Israel–Al Jazeera Relationship
Israel has long had a strained relationship with Al Jazeera, banning its operations in the country and raiding its offices during the Gaza war.
Qatar, which funds the network, hosts Hamas’ political leadership and has mediated indirect talks between the two sides.
According to media watchdogs, over 200 journalists have been killed since the Gaza war began.
Many global outlets, including AFP, rely on local Palestinian journalists for coverage, as Gaza remains sealed off.
The strike came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for a new offensive targeting Hamas strongholds in Gaza.
UN officials warned that Israel’s plans to control Gaza City could trigger “another calamity” involving mass displacement, further civilian deaths, and regional instability.
