Israeli Strike in Gaza City Kills Two Journalists in Targeted Attack
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Two veteran Al Jazeera journalists were among five media workers killed in a deliberate Israeli airstrike on a press tent near Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, in what the network described as a calculated attempt to silence coverage of Tel Aviv’s ongoing atrocities.
Al Jazeera correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohamed Qraiqea were martyred Sunday, along with three other colleagues, when Israeli forces bombed a tent used by journalists near the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in western Gaza City, the Gaza Media Office confirmed.
The Qatari-based network quoted the hospital’s director as saying the two correspondents were killed instantly in the strike, which also injured several others.
Al Jazeera later confirmed the deaths, calling the attack a “planned assassination” carried out to suppress reporting ahead of Israel’s ground occupation of Gaza.
“The order to kill Anas al-Sharif, one of Gaza’s bravest journalists, and his colleagues is a desperate attempt to silence voices ahead of the occupation of Gaza,” the network said, holding the “occupation army and its government” fully responsible.
The statement noted that Israeli military officials had repeatedly incited violence against al-Sharif and his team before the attack, describing the strike as a “blatant and deliberate assault on press freedom.”
The Gaza Media Office reported that the death toll of journalists since Israel’s genocidal campaign began on Oct. 7, 2023, has risen to 237.
The other journalists killed in the same attack were identified as photojournalists Ibrahim Dahir and Moumin Alaywa, and assistant photojournalist Mohammed Noufal.
It described the attack as “premeditated, deliberate, and direct,” executed in full knowledge of the victims’ identities and their press status.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, said the total number of people killed in the strike on the tent reached seven, including the five journalists.
The Israeli army admitted to killing al-Sharif but omitted mention of Qraiqea and the others.
In a will written on Aug. 6, al-Sharif predicted his own killing, stating: “If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.”
He urged Palestinians and supporters to remain steadfast, defend Gaza’s children, and continue the struggle for liberation until “the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our usurped homeland.”
Since October 2023, Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed over 61,000 people, destroyed much of the enclave, and pushed its population to the brink of famine.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its campaign in Gaza.
