Quick Summary
- Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif was killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza along with four colleagues.
- A pre-written “final message” surfaced after his death, urging Palestinians to keep resisting and care for his family.
- Israel claims he was a Hamas commander; Palestinian groups deny it and call the strike an assassination.
- The case highlights the extreme dangers journalists face in Gaza and the ongoing dispute over press protection in conflict zones
A pre-written farewell emerges after a deadly Israeli airstrike
Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, 28, was among five journalists killed on August 11, 2025, in an Israeli airstrike near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, according to the network. Hours later, a lengthy message, described as his “last will and testament”, was posted on social media by a friend after his death was confirmed.
The note, which appeared pre-written in anticipation of his possible death, begins:
“If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.”
Anas al-Sharif’s words: steadfastness, grief, and hope
In the post, al-Sharif reflected on his life and work, recalling his upbringing in the Jabalia refugee camp and his commitment to telling Gaza’s story. He expressed his longing to return to his family in occupied Ashkelon (al-Majdal), but acknowledged that “God’s will was supreme.”
He described a life marked by repeated loss and pain, yet said he never wavered in reporting “without falsification or distortion.” Also he accused the world of ignoring the suffering in Gaza and urged Palestinians not to be silenced by borders or restrictions:
“Be bridges toward the liberation of the country and its people, so that the sun of dignity and freedom may shine upon our usurped homeland.”
The journalist also made a personal appeal to care for his family, his wife, mother, young son, and daughter, whom he had not seen grow up.
The strike and its aftermath
According to Al Jazeera, al-Sharif died alongside fellow correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal. The broadcaster’s live anchor was visibly emotional while announcing the deaths.
Shortly after the attack, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility, alleging that al-Sharif was not just a journalist but also a Hamas operative. In a post on X, the IDF described him as “the head of a Hamas terrorist cell” involved in planning and advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and troops, citing documents and rosters recovered from Gaza.
Al Jazeera and Palestinian journalist groups vehemently denied the allegations, framing the strike as a deliberate attack on the press. The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate called it a “bloody crime” and an act of “assassination.”
A dangerous environment for journalists in Gaza
The deaths of al-Sharif and his colleagues underscore the extraordinary risks faced by journalists covering the Israel-Gaza conflict. According to press freedom watchdogs, Gaza has become one of the most lethal reporting environments in the world.
Both Israel and Hamas have been accused of targeting journalists, either directly or by placing them at risk, leading to a persistent debate over the line between legitimate military targets and press immunity under international humanitarian law.
The broader context
- Al Jazeera’s role: The Qatar-based network has been a major source of on-the-ground reporting from Gaza, often criticized by Israel for what it claims is biased coverage.
- Conflict intensity: The airstrike came amid ongoing Israeli military operations following months of cross-border violence.
- International reaction: While some international media outlets echoed Israel’s claims, others called for an independent investigation to verify the circumstances of the journalists’ deaths.
