In a devastating escalation of violence in Gaza, five Al Jazeera journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, alleging that one of the victims, Anas Al Sharif, was a Hamas cell leader posing as a journalist.
Incident Overview
- Location: Tent used by journalists outside al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza City
- Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
Victims:
- Anas Al Sharif (correspondent)
- Mohammed Qreiqeh (reporter)
- Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, Moamen Aliwa (camera operators)
- One assistant also reportedly killed
IDF Allegations
The IDF claimed Al Sharif was “responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and troops,” citing intelligence documents seized in Gaza. They described the strike as a targeted operation against a Hamas operative using journalism as cover.
Al Jazeera Response
Al Jazeera condemned the attack as a “targeted assassination” and a “blatant assault on press freedom.” The network dismissed the IDF’s claims as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that the journalists were among the last voices documenting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Global Reactions
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ): Expressed outrage, stating Israel has a “pattern” of labeling journalists as militants without credible evidence.
- UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan: Previously warned that Al Sharif’s life was in danger due to his reporting.
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF): Called for an independent investigation, noting over 200 journalists have died in Gaza since the war began.
The strike comes amid heightened tensions and a looming Israeli offensive in Gaza. Hamas warned that the killing of journalists could be a prelude to a larger military campaign. The incident has reignited global concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists in conflict zones.
