Remembering Anas al-Sharif: A Journalist's Courage Amid Danger in Gaza

Mon Oct 20 2025 06:34:17 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Anas al-Sharif, a prominent journalist for Al Jazeera, was killed in Gaza amidst an airstrike by Israel, drawing international outrage and debate over the targeting of media personnel in conflict zones.

Anas al-Sharif, a 28-year-old Al Jazeera correspondent, was killed during an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, prompting global condemnation. Allegations from Israel claiming he was linked to Hamas have been met with skepticism. Known for his fearless reporting under perilous circumstances, al-Sharif's death underscores the risks faced by journalists in conflict areas.

Five journalists working for Al Jazeera, including 28-year-old Anas al-Sharif, were killed when their tent was struck by an Israeli attack in Gaza City on Sunday. Al Jazeera reported that aside from Sharif, colleagues Mohammed Qreiqeh, cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa also lost their lives. The assault has sparked widespread condemnation from international bodies such as the UN and various media freedom organizations.

While the Israeli military claims Sharif was leading a Hamas terrorist cell during the conflict, little evidence has been provided to substantiate these accusations. Media advocacy groups have expressed their dismay at the assertion, emphasizing that prior roles as media advisors do not equate to active combatancy. Committee for the Protection of Journalists CEO Jodie Ginsberg remarked that Sharif’s killing lacks justification under international law.

Anas al-Sharif grew to become one of the leading voices documenting the war in Gaza. He was from the Jabalia area and had been reporting for Al Jazeera for two years. Despite facing immense peril, including being separated from his wife and children, he committed himself to uncovering the realities of life amid the relentless bombardment. His reports highlighted the dire humanitarian situation on the ground, leading many to view him as "the only voice left in Gaza City."

Sharif had a deep connection with the people he reported on, feeling their suffering as his own. His persistence to shine a light on the ongoing crises, even as daily life diminished under the threat of violence, displayed a courage that resonated with those following his updates worldwide. Tragically, the day of his death was marked by his commentary on the escalating attacks in Gaza.

The Israeli government claimed that Sharif had connections to Hamas and had orchestrated rocket attacks against Israel. However, these assertions were met with staunch rebuttals from Al Jazeera, alongside a lack of credible proof provided by Israel. Media watchdogs have criticized the systematic targeting of journalists, highlighting the grim statistics revealing nearly 200 deaths of media personnel since the onset of the hostilities triggered by Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.

In phone conversations prior to his demise, colleagues expressed admiration for Sharif’s bravery, detailing his commitments to capturing the realities of life in Gaza even under threat. His legacy as a dedicated journalist serves as a powerful reminder of the essential role of the media in chronicling history, especially amidst conflict.

As the shadows of war loom again over Gaza, the tragic fate of Anas al-Sharif becomes emblematic of the broader narrative: the risks journalists face in exposing the truth, the realities they navigate amidst grave danger, and the urgent calls for accountability in the face of brutal warfare. In his own words shared in an online post before his death, Sharif declared his commitment to being a voice for his people, emphasizing, “Do not forget Gaza.”