In a devastating blow to press freedom on Sunday, four correspondents for Qatar’s Al Jazeera were killed in Gaza City when their tent, pitched outside Al-Shifa Hospital, came under Israeli fire.
According to Al Jazeera and Gaza medical sources, journalists Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, along with cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal, lost their lives in the strike. Palestinian civil defense teams say a fifth victim was also killed, though his identity remains unknown.
The Israel Defense Forces later claimed that Anas Al-Sharif led a Hamas cell responsible for rocket attacks, citing recovered documents—including personnel rosters and training lists—as proof of his militant ties. Al Jazeera, however, rejects these allegations, with Gulf-based writer Muhammad Shehada stating, “There’s zero evidence that Al-Sharif took part in any hostilities.”
Moments before he was killed, Al-Sharif posted a video from Gaza on X, capturing the night sky ablaze with bombardment and echoing with explosions. “Relentless bombardment,” he wrote. “For two hours, the Israeli aggression has intensified on Gaza City.”
The deaths have reignited global debates over journalist safety in conflict zones. For many young global citizens and media advocates, this incident underscores the urgent need for transparent investigations and stronger protections for reporters on the front lines.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
