Five Al Jazeera Journalists Killed in Israeli Airstrike in Gaza
gaza, maandag, 11 augustus 2025.
Five Al Jazeera journalists, including the well-known correspondent Anas al-Sharif, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The attack took place near the Al-Shifa hospital and sparked worldwide outrage. Israel claims that al-Sharif was involved with Hamas, but human rights organisations consider this claim unfounded. This incident once again brings the safety of journalists in conflict zones to the forefront.
Five Al Jazeera Journalists Killed in Israeli Airstrike in Gaza
Five Al Jazeera journalists, including the well-known correspondent Anas al-Sharif, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The attack took place near the Al-Shifa hospital and sparked worldwide outrage. Israel claims that al-Sharif was involved with Hamas, but human rights organisations consider this claim unfounded. This incident once again brings the safety of journalists in conflict zones to the forefront. [1][2][3]
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred in a tent where journalists were present, not far from the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. Alongside Anas al-Sharif, who was 28 years old, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa were also killed. In total, seven people died in the attack. Al-Sharif reported shortly before his death about the intense bombings, known as ‘fireballs’, on the eastern and southern parts of Gaza City. [1][2][3]
Reactions from Al Jazeera and Human Rights Organisations
Al Jazeera condemned the attack as a ‘blatant and premeditated assault on press freedom’ and called for decisive measures to stop the ongoing genocide and targeted attacks on journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed serious concern about the safety of al-Sharif, given the smear campaign by the Israeli army against him. [1][2][3]
Israeli Claims and International Reactions
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that Anas al-Sharif was the target, claiming that he was the leader of a Hamas terrorist cell and responsible for launching rockets against Israeli civilians and IDF troops. However, these claims are considered unfounded by human rights advocates and fellow journalists. The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Irene Khan, expressed concern over growing evidence that journalists in Gaza are being targeted by the Israeli army based on unproven allegations. [1][2][3]
History of Targeted Attacks on Journalists
Since October 2023, more than 200 journalists and media workers in Gaza have been killed by the Israeli army. Among them are several Al Jazeera journalists, including Ismael Al-Ghoul and Rami al-Rifi, who were killed in an IDF airstrike in July 2024. This pattern of targeted attacks on journalists has sparked global outrage and raises questions about Israel’s intentions and respect for press freedom. [1][2][3]
Impact on Press Freedom and the International Community
This incident has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of journalists in conflict zones and the need for international protection. Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin called for concrete steps from the international community to end Israeli impunity for violations. Protests against Israeli actions in Gaza took place worldwide, including in Tel Aviv, where thousands of Israelis condemned the occupation of Gaza City. [1][2][3][4]