Gaza City — An Israeli airstrike near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City has killed five Al Jazeera journalists, escalating concerns about the safety of media workers in the ongoing conflict. The victims, identified by Al Jazeera as correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, along with cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal, were among seven people killed when the strike hit a tent designated for press outside the hospital’s main gate, according to the Qatar-based network.
The Israeli military acknowledged conducting the strike, claiming it targeted Anas al-Sharif, whom they labeled a “terrorist” and alleged leader of a Hamas cell responsible for rocket attacks. The military stated on Telegram that al-Sharif had posed as a journalist while working for Al Jazeera. No evidence was provided to support these claims, prompting criticism from press freedom advocates.
Al Jazeera condemned the attack as a deliberate targeting of its staff, noting that al-Sharif, 28, was a prominent figure in their coverage of Gaza, delivering daily reports from the ground. Moments before his death, al-Sharif was reportedly posting on X about intensified Israeli bombardment in Gaza City. A pre-written message, posted posthumously by a friend, read, “If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.”
The strike adds to the grim toll on journalists in the 22-month Gaza conflict, with media watchdogs reporting approximately 200 media workers killed. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed outrage, stating, “Israel’s pattern of labeling journalists as militants without credible evidence raises serious questions about its respect for press freedom.” CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah emphasized that journalists are civilians and must not be targeted.
The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate denounced the attack as a “bloody crime,” while Al Jazeera vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible. Israel’s contentious relationship with Al Jazeera, including a ban on the channel’s operations within its borders, has drawn scrutiny, particularly given Qatar’s role in hosting Hamas’s political leadership and mediating talks.
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