Al Jazeera Journalists Killed in Gaza Strike: Israel Says One Was Hamas Leader

Five Al Jazeera journalists were killed in a recent Israeli strike near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The attack represents one of the deadliest instances of violence against media professionals since the beginning of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The victims included Al Jazeera correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, along with camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa. The Israeli Military later stated that Anas al-Sharif, who was killed in the strike, was a Hamas operative and the head of a terrorist cell responsible for rocket attacks on Israeli targets. The IDF cited intelligence and documents from Gaza, such as rosters, training lists, and salary records, to support its claim. Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the killings, describing them as an assault on press freedom and condemning the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza. The CPJ reports that at least 186 journalists have been killed since October 7, 2023. The attack happened shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that more foreign journalists would be permitted to enter the Gaza Strip. Just prior to his death, Anas al-Sharif documented the escalating Israeli aggression within Gaza City. A message, published after his death, indicated that he believed Israel had succeeded in silencing him.