By Ephraim Agbo
The war in Gaza has claimed another life — this time, that of Anas Al-Sharif, a 27-year-old Al Jazeera journalist who had become one of the most recognisable reporters covering the conflict. He was killed in an Israeli airstrike near Al-Shifa Hospital, along with four of his colleagues.
The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 186 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, a figure that has drawn alarm from press freedom organisations worldwide.
Conflicting Accounts
Israel maintains that Al-Sharif was not just a journalist but a Hamas operative. Officials say they have a document showing he held a Hamas “serial number” and received a salary from the group since 2013. They also allege he was a commander in a rocket-launching unit that fired at Israeli civilians in recent weeks.
Al Jazeera and Al-Sharif’s colleagues strongly deny this. Salah Negm, Director of News at Al Jazeera English, described him as a dedicated reporter whose work documented life under siege. Negm said Israel’s accusations were unproven and part of a wider smear campaign against journalists reporting from Gaza.
The claims on both sides have not been independently verified, as foreign media — including the BBC — are barred from reporting freely inside Gaza.
A Final Message
In a message prepared before his death, Al-Sharif wrote:
“Do not be silenced by restrictions. Do not be held back by borders.”
For many journalists, those words have become symbolic of the risks faced by reporters covering conflict zones — where simply doing the job can place them in mortal danger.
Wider Concerns
The killing has reignited debate over the safety of journalists in Gaza and the credibility of wartime claims. Without independent access, verifying accusations or defending reputations becomes almost impossible.
Supporters of Israel’s position argue that military targets must be neutralised, even if they operate under the cover of journalism. Critics warn that without clear proof, targeting journalists risks eroding the protections guaranteed to the press under international law.
The Ongoing Question
In Gaza, the line between reporter and combatant is now more disputed than ever. Whether Al-Sharif was a journalist, a fighter, or both is something the public may never know with certainty. What is clear is that his death adds to a growing toll on the press — and deepens concerns about whether the world is losing not only lives, but also the ability to know what is happening on the ground.
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