Al Jazeera journalist killed in a devastating strike near al-Shifa Hospital, marking one of the deadliest attacks on media in recent memory.
An Israeli air strike struck a makeshift media tent outside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City late Sunday evening. The attack claimed the lives of five Al Jazeera staff: correspondent Anas al-Sharif, along with Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa. In total, seven people were killed in the blast.
Table of Contents
Israeli Strike Kills 4 Al Jazeera Journalists, Network Says
- The Israeli military stated that Anas al-Sharif was allegedly a Hamas cell leader involved in rocket attacks, a claim denied by Al Jazeera.
- The network condemned the strike, calling it a deliberate act against journalists covering the war in Gaza.
- Press freedom organizations have warned that targeting media workers undermines international protections for journalists in conflict zones.
- The United Nations has also expressed concern, urging all parties to respect the role of the press.
Context and Ongoing Threats to Journalists in Gaza
Attacks on journalists have become a disturbing pattern throughout the Gaza conflict. Earlier this year, other Al Jazeera reporters were killed in similar strikes, with military forces making unverified claims of militant involvement.
In one previous incident, two media workers died when a marked press vehicle was hit in western Gaza. Rights groups have said such attacks contribute to making this war one of the deadliest ever for media professionals.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023, more than 200 journalists and media workers have reportedly lost their lives, many while wearing clearly marked press vests or operating from known media locations.
Summary Table: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Strike | 10 August 2025 |
| Location | Tent outside al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza City |
| Al Jazeera Victims | Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, Moamen Aliwa |
| Total Fatalities | Seven individuals |
| Israel’s Claim | Al-Sharif was a Hamas cell leader purportedly behind rocket attacks |
| Press Freedom Response | Condemned by Al Jazeera, CPJ, and the UN as targeting journalists |
The Legacy of Anas al-Sharif
Anas al-Sharif was known for his fearless reporting from the heart of Gaza. Over the years, he documented the war’s impact on civilians, often broadcasting live from scenes of destruction. His work gained him a large following on social media and recognition among colleagues for his commitment to truth, even under extreme danger.
His final broadcast came just hours before the attack, where he described the worsening humanitarian situation near al-Shifa Hospital. Friends and colleagues have remembered him as a voice for the voiceless, determined to show the world the realities on the ground.
Global Calls for Protection of Journalists
The killing of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza has reignited global calls for stronger measures to protect reporters in war zones. International bodies have stressed that journalists are civilians and must not be treated as combatants.
Media advocacy groups have urged for independent investigations into the deaths of journalists and for accountability measures to prevent further targeting. They argue that without a free press, the realities of war remain hidden from the public eye.
The loss of these journalists is not just a tragedy for their families and colleagues but also for the truth. In times of war, the role of the press is to bear witness. Silencing them silences the stories that need to be told.