BUTUAN CITY –Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif, 28, was killed on Sunday alongside three colleagues in what appears to be a targeted Israeli attack outside the main gate of al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, according to the hospital’s director.
The well-known Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent had reported extensively from northern Gaza.
Also killed were correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal.
Shortly before his death, al-Sharif posted on X about Israel’s intense bombardment of Gaza City, describing a wave of “fire belts” in the eastern and southern areas.
His final video captured the sound of explosions and flashes of missile fire lighting up the night sky.
Following the incident, the Israeli military issued a statement accusing al-Sharif of leading a Hamas cell and orchestrating rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and troops, claiming to possess documents proving his affiliation.
However, these allegations have been strongly disputed.
Muhammed Shehada, an analyst with the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, dismissed the claims, stating there was “zero evidence” of al-Sharif’s involvement in hostilities.
“His entire daily routine was standing in front of a camera from morning to evening,” he told Al Jazeera. The killing has reignited international concern over the safety of journalists reporting from conflict zones.
