Anas Al-Sharif: The Al Jazeera Journalist Killed in Israeli Strike Who Became the Voice of Gaza’s War and Press Freedom Under Fire

In January, as a temporary ceasefire in Gaza came into effect, journalist Anas Al-Sharif removed his protective gear live on air, one piece at a time, while an emotional crowd celebrated around him. Many hoped this marked the beginning of relief for the two million Palestinians living in the besieged enclave. Seven months later, the 28-year-old Breaking News reporter for Al Jazeera was killed alongside four of his colleagues in an Israeli strike in Gaza City.

The Rise of Gaza’s Most Recognized Journalist

Before the war, Al-Sharif was little known outside his hometown of Jabalya. But with Israel blocking most foreign media from entering Gaza, he quickly became the face of the conflict for millions in the Arab world. His on-the-ground reporting captured critical moments — brief ceasefires, hostage releases, and harrowing scenes of famine that shocked the global audience.

Al Jazeera recruited him in December 2023 after his viral footage of Israeli strikes gained widespread attention. Initially reluctant to appear on camera, he was persuaded by colleagues. “I had never even appeared on a local channel, let alone an international one,” he told Sotour media in February. His father, who was killed shortly afterward in an Israeli airstrike, had been the proudest of his new role.

Relentless Reporting Under Fire

Al-Sharif reported almost daily, often sleeping in hospitals, shelters, ambulances, and even warehouses. In January, during live coverage, he removed his helmet and body armor, calling them “an extension of my body” and honoring colleagues killed in Israeli strikes. Crowds lifted him on their shoulders in celebration.

But his visibility drew the attention of the Israeli military, which had already targeted several Al Jazeera journalists, including Ismail Al Ghoul and Hossam Shabat. Al-Sharif claimed Israeli intelligence sent him voice messages warning him to stop reporting for the network. Minutes after one such warning, the hospital room from which he was broadcasting was hit.

Israel’s Allegations and Targeted Killing

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused Al-Sharif of leading a Hamas cell responsible for rocket attacks, claiming he had joined a Hamas battalion in 2013. Israel released alleged documents and photographs showing him with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, killed in October 2024. Both Al-Sharif and Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, denied these claims.

In his final month, Al-Sharif reaffirmed his independence: “My only mission is to report the truth from the ground – as it is, without bias. In the eyes of the occupation, speaking the truth has become a threat.”

The Fatal Strike at Al-Shifa Hospital

On the day of his death, Al-Sharif was in a tent marked “Press” outside Al-Shifa Hospital with other journalists. The strike killed at least seven people, including Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh, photojournalists Ibrahim Al Thaher and Moamen Aliwa, and staff member Mohammed Noufal. Hospital director Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya confirmed the attack targeted clearly identified press members.

International Condemnation and Calls for Accountability

Rights groups and officials condemned the killing. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it was “appalled” and highlighted Israel’s “pattern of accusing journalists of being terrorists without credible proof.” According to CPJ, 192 journalists have been killed since the start of the war — 184 of them Palestinian reporters killed by Israeli forces.

This comes as Israel continues to block independent international journalists from entering Gaza, allowing only embedded reporting under military supervision — a policy in place since the conflict began.

A Will That Spoke Volumes

Al-Sharif’s funeral drew thousands of mourners in Gaza. His will, shared by colleagues after his death, reflected his unwavering commitment:

“I have lived through pain in all its details, tasted suffering and loss many times, yet I never once hesitated to convey the truth… If I die, I die steadfast upon my principles. Do not forget Gaza… and do not forget me in your prayers.”