Hundreds gathered in Gaza to mourn five Al Jazeera journalists killed on Sunday, the journalists were killed in a Israeli strike that hits a press tent near Al-Shifa Hospital.
The strike killed five reporters working for Al Jazeera, The five were reporter Anas al-Sharif, correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh, and video journalists Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal. Freelance reporter Mohammed al-Khaldi was also among those killed. There were seven journalists in total killed.
Al-Sharif, 28, was widely known for his reporting in Gaza. Israel alleged Sunday that Al-Sharif was affiliated with Hamas. Al Jazeera called that allegation false.
Al Jazeera condemned the "targeted assassination" by Israeli forces, and accused the Israeli Defense Forces of deliberately striking the journalists.
"The Israeli military admitted to their crimes," the network said, describing the attack as "another blatant and premeditated assault on press freedom."
Footage from the funeral showed grieving colleagues and citizens carrying the journalists’ bodies, wrapped in Palestinian flags and press flak jackets, from al-Shifa Hospital to Sheikh Radwan Cemetery. Chants such as “With our soul and blood, we sacrifice for you, Anas,” echoed through the streets.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it was “appalled” by the attack. “Israel’s pattern of labeling journalists as militants without credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director.
The United Nations Human Rights Office also condemned the killings, calling the attack a “grave breach of international humanitarian law” and reiterating the need for all parties to protect journalists and civilians.
According to the U.N., at least 242 Palestinian journalists have been killed since October 7, 2023. The CPJ places the figure at 178, with calls growing louder for international investigations and accountability.
