UN and media groups condemn deadly Israeli strike on Al-Jazeera team in Gaza

The United Nations and multiple press freedom organizations have sharply criticized Israel following an airstrike in Gaza that killed a group of Al Jazeera journalists. The attack on Sunday claimed the lives of 28-year-old correspondent Anas al-Sharif and four of his colleagues, sparking outrage across the media community.

Crowds gathered at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to mourn the journalists, their bodies wrapped in white shrouds and carried through the streets by mourners, some wearing press vests. Hospital officials confirmed that a sixth journalist, freelancer Mohammed Al-Khaldi, also died in the strike, which targeted a tent set up for media workers outside the hospital’s main gate.

Israel’s Allegations and Al Jazeera’s Response

Israel has openly acknowledged targeting Sharif, labeling him a Hamas operative who “posed as a journalist.” Military officials released documents they claim show Sharif’s Hamas enlistment in 2013, his rank, and his role in a “terrorist cell” involved in rocket attacks.

Colleagues confirmed Sharif began his career in a Hamas communications office, covering public events for the group. However, Al Jazeera described him as one of Gaza’s most committed reporters, documenting the conflict daily throughout the 22-month war. The network called the strike “a desperate attempt to silence voices exposing the Israeli occupation” and accused Israeli officials of repeatedly inciting against Sharif and other journalists.

Global Reactions and Press Freedom Concerns

The U.N. human rights office called the attack a “grave breach of international humanitarian law,” while the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) warned that Israel has shown a pattern of branding reporters as militants without providing concrete evidence. CPJ Chief Executive Jodie Ginsberg stressed that unless Israel can prove Sharif was an active combatant at the time, his killing has no legal justification.

Reporters Without Borders reports that nearly 200 journalists have died since the war began in October 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel. Israel has largely barred foreign press from entering Gaza except under strict military escort.

Broader Conflict Context

The strike occurred just days after Israel’s security cabinet approved plans to send troops deeper into Gaza City and other remaining areas outside its control, including Al-Mawasi, a designated safe zone now sheltering thousands. The move has drawn fierce criticism from humanitarian groups and several nations, including key allies.

Germany—one of Israel’s primary arms suppliers—announced it would halt shipments of any weapons that could be used in Gaza. Australia joined other Western nations in recognizing a Palestinian state. Despite international pushback, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue military operations, saying, “We will win the war, with or without the support of others.”

U.N. officials, including Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca, have warned that expanding the offensive could trigger “another calamity” in Gaza, where famine conditions are already unfolding due to severely restricted aid. According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 61,499 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s campaign, while the Hamas attack in October 2023 left 1,219 people dead in Israel.