Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, who was among the five journalists killed by an Israeli strike near Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital, had made a last post on social media reporting about his death. The long message, was posted byAnas's friend after his death was confirmed.

"This is my last will and testament, my final message. If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you. God knows that I have exerted all my effort and strength to be a support and voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and neighborhoods of Jabalia refugee camp," the post read.

"I have lived the pain in all its details, and I have tasted the pain and loss repeatedly. Despite this, I have never hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without falsification or distortion. May God be a witness against those who remained silent, those who accepted our killing, and those who held our breath and whose hearts were not moved by the remains of our children and women, nor did they stop the massacre our people have been subjected to for more than a year and a half," he said.

هذه وصيّتي، ورسالتي الأخيرة.
إن وصلَتكم كلماتي هذه، فاعلموا أن إسرائيل قد نجحت في قتلي وإسكات صوتي.
بداية السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

يعلم الله أنني بذلت كل ما أملك من جهدٍ وقوة، لأكون سندًا وصوتًا لأبناء شعبي، مذ فتحت عيني على الحياة في أزقّة وحارات مخيّم جباليا للاجئين،…
— أنس الشريف Anas Al-Sharif (@AnasAlSharif0) August 10, 2025

On 10 August 2025, an Israeli airstrike struck a tent near the main gate of al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, killing five Al Jazeera journalists. Those killed were Anas al-Sharif (correspondent), Mohammed Qreiqeh (reporter), Ibrahim Zaher (camera operator), Mohammed Noufal (camera operator), and Moamen Aliwa (assistant).

The strike reportedly claimed a total of seven lives, including other civilians in the area. The journalists had been covering the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza when the attack took place.

Breaking - In a targeted strike near Shifa Hospital, #Israel kil*s Al Jazeera’s Anas Esharif and four colleagues, Raising Global outrage over at*acks on journalists in #Gaza.

The names of the five Al Jazeera journalists assa*sinated by Israel in a strike on their tent in Gaza… pic.twitter.com/xkF2P1ENDJ
— ARCLANTIC (@arclanticltd) August 11, 2025

Israel’s Justification: “Hamas Terrorist” Allegation

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that the strike deliberately targeted Anas al-Sharif. According to Israeli authorities, al-Sharif was allegedly a Hamas terrorist and the leader of a militant cell responsible for firing rockets at Israeli civilians and military forces.

Israel claimed to possess documents, including training records and payment receipts, which they say prove his militant affiliation. Officials stated that “a press badge isn’t a shield for terrorism,” framing the strike as a legitimate military action rather than a violation of press protections.

Condemnation and Skepticism: Press Freedom Advocates Respond

Al Jazeera strongly condemned the killings, calling the incident a “premeditated assassination” intended to silence independent journalism in Gaza. The network accused Israel of trying to suppress reporting ahead of potential escalations in the conflict.

Media freedom organizations expressed alarm, criticizing what they see as a recurring pattern of Israel labeling journalists as militants without presenting verifiable evidence. They stressed that such actions undermine press freedom and put all reporters in conflict zones at risk.

As Israel's war on Gaza continues, Al Jazeera staff members, including correspondent Anas al-Sharif, were killed in a targeted strike on their media tent outside al-Shifa Hospital.

Follow our LIVE coverage: https://t.co/uGBiAWKOAW pic.twitter.com/P9yPXzx5aV
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 11, 2025

Context: A Deadly Pattern Against Journalists

The Gaza conflict has become one of the deadliest for journalists in modern history. Over 180 Palestinian reporters and media workers have been killed since October 2023, many while identified as members of the press.

Anas al-Sharif was among Gaza’s most prominent journalists, known for documenting the humanitarian crisis and the plight of civilians under siege. His death follows similar incidents where journalists, such as Hossam Shabat and Ismail al-Ghoul, were killed and later accused by Israel of militant links — accusations that critics say lacked substantiation.

What’s at Stake?

The deaths of these five journalists highlight the growing dangers faced by local reporters who are often the only voices able to deliver on-the-ground accounts from Gaza. The repeated targeting of media workers, coupled with allegations of militant activity, threatens the very foundation of independent war reporting.

Without credible investigations and stronger international protections, journalists in conflict zones will continue to face life-threatening risks. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard press freedom and ensure accountability for attacks on those who document the realities of war.

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