Al Jazeera Media Network has strongly condemned the Israeli occupation forces for the targeted assassination of its correspondents, Anas Al Sharif and Mohammed Qraiqea, along with photographers Ibrahim Al Thaher and Mohamed Nofal. The network described the attack as “yet another blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom”. The journalists were killed in a directed assault on a tent housing journalists near Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City.
According to Al Jazeera, the attack is part of the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, which has resulted in the relentless slaughter of civilians, forced starvation, and the obliteration of entire communities. The network believes that the order to assassinate Anas Al Sharif, one of Gaza’s bravest journalists, and his colleagues, is a desperate attempt to silence the voices exposing the impending seizure and occupation of Gaza.
Anas Al Sharif, a 28-year-old correspondent, had extensively reported from northern Gaza and was known for his courageous live coverage of the devastating realities endured by the people of Gaza. In the moments leading up to his death, he posted on X, describing the intense Israeli bombardment within Gaza City. Despite repeated incitement and calls by Israeli officials to target him, Al Sharif continued to report, ensuring the world saw the harrowing truth experienced by Gaza’s populace.
The Israeli military accused Al Sharif of heading a Hamas cell and advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and troops. However, Al Jazeera rejected these allegations, and Muhammed Shehada, an analyst at the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, stated that there was “zero evidence” that Al Sharif took part in any hostilities. UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan also expressed concern over the safety of Al Sharif, citing “growing evidence that journalists in Gaza have been targeted and killed by the Israeli army on the basis of unsubstantiated claims that they were Hamas terrorists”.
The killing of the Al Jazeera journalists has sparked widespread condemnation, with press freedom groups slamming Israel’s actions as a blatant attack on press freedom. The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed concern over the safety of journalists in Gaza, highlighting the need for accountability and protection of journalists. The international community has been called upon to take decisive measures to halt the ongoing genocide and end the deliberate targeting of journalists.
“Al Jazeera emphasises that immunity for perpetrators and the lack of accountability embolden Israel’s actions and encourage further oppression against witnesses to the truth,” the network said. Al Jazeera Media Network holds the Israeli occupation forces and government responsible for deliberately targeting and assassinating its journalists, and calls on the international community to take action to protect journalists and prevent further attacks.