Anas Al-Sharif, a prominent Palestinian journalist with Al Jazeera, was killed by Israeli forces on Sunday in a strike that also targeted several other journalists. The 28-year-old had gained widespread recognition for his daily coverage of the conflict and its humanitarian toll, often putting himself at risk to report from the front lines.
Al-Sharif’s killing has sparked international condemnation and calls for accountability. He was accused by Israel of leading a Hamas cell in Gaza that orchestrated rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF forces. However, his family, colleagues, and rights groups have rejected these claims, saying they are unfounded and lacking in evidence.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described Al-Sharif’s killing as part of a “pattern of accusing journalists of being terrorists without providing any credible proof.” The CPJ has reported that 192 journalists have been killed since the start of the war nearly two years ago, with 184 being Palestinians killed by Israel.
Al-Sharif had become a household name in the Arab world for his fearless reporting, which often took him to the most dangerous areas. He had worked for Al Jazeera for several months before being recruited by the network in December 2023. His reports provided first-hand accounts of critical moments in the conflict, including ceasefires and the release of Israeli hostages.
Despite the risks, Al-Sharif continued to report from Gaza, often without protection. He was killed while reporting live from a hospital near the entrance to the Al-Shifa Hospital, where he was staying with other journalists. The strike also killed at least seven people, including three other Al Jazeera staff members.
The killing of Al-Sharif has highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in Gaza and the need for greater accountability from Israel. His colleagues and rights groups are calling for an investigation into his killing and the actions of Israeli forces.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/11/middleeast/anas-al-sharif-al-jazeera-reporter-intl