Al Jazeera news platform says two of its correspondents, including prominent reporter Anas al-Sharif, and three cameramen were killed on Sunday in what it described as a targeted Israeli strike on a tent used by journalists in Gaza City.
The Israeli military confirmed it carried out the attack, saying it specifically targeted al-Sharif, whom it accused of being “a terrorist” linked to Hamas.
“A short while ago, in Gaza City, the IDF struck the terrorist Anas Al-Sharif, who posed as a journalist for the Al Jazeera network,” the military posted on Telegram, adding that he was “responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops.”
Other Al Jazeera journalists
Al Jazeera listed the other victims as correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa. The network described al-Sharif, 28, as a familiar face who had “reported extensively from northern Gaza.”
Shortly before his death, al-Sharif posted on X about “intense, concentrated Israeli bombardment” on Gaza City, sharing a video of nearby strikes.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which had in July called for his protection amid online accusations from the Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesperson, condemned the killings. “Israel’s pattern of labelling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom,” said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah. “Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. Those responsible… must be held accountable.”
The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate denounced the incident as a “bloody crime” of assassination.
The deaths come as Gaza remains sealed off, leaving international media reliant on Palestinian journalists for coverage. Reporters Without Borders says more than 200 journalists have been killed since the war began nearly two years ago.
The strike coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of an expanded military offensive in Gaza, targeting what he called “remaining Hamas strongholds.” He also said more foreign journalists would be allowed to enter the territory with military escorts.
At the UN Security Council, Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenca warned that Israel’s plans for Gaza City could trigger “another calamity… causing further forced displacement, killings, and destruction.”
