The UN’s human rights office has condemned an Israeli attack that killed six journalists in Gaza, labeling it a “grave breach” of international humanitarian law. Five Al Jazeera journalists, including Anas al-Sharif, died in an Israeli airstrike, along with a sixth freelance journalist. The Israeli military claimed they targeted Sharif, alleging he led a “terrorist cell in Hamas”. Media rights groups and countries like Qatar have denounced the attack. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman expressed grave concern and called for an independent investigation.
Starmer’s spokesman emphasized that Israel should ensure journalists can work safely. The funerals of Sharif, Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Qreiqeh, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa were held on Monday, following the strike on their tent in Gaza City. Mohammed al-Khaldi was identified as the sixth journalist killed. Reporters Without Borders condemned Sharif’s assassination, while the Foreign Press Association expressed outrage, accusing the Israeli military of labeling Palestinian journalists as militants without evidence. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) criticized Israel for failing to provide proof of its allegations against Sharif, highlighting a pattern of accusing journalists without credible proof.
The Israeli military claims to have recovered documents from Gaza allegedly linking Sharif to Hamas, including personnel rosters and phone directories, though only partial evidence has been released. The BBC has not independently verified these claims. It is known Sharif previously worked for Hamas media in Gaza, but little evidence supports the claim that he led a Hamas terrorist cell. Despite some critical social media posts, there is no explanation for the killing of the entire Al Jazeera news crew.
CPJ reports at least 186 journalists have been killed since Israel’s Gaza offensive began in October 2023, marking the deadliest period for journalists since 1992. The UN Human Rights office demanded Israel respect and protect civilians, including journalists, and called for safe access to Gaza for reporters. Last month, the BBC and other agencies issued a joint statement expressing concern for journalists in Gaza, who struggle to sustain themselves. Restricted access means international outlets rely on Gaza-based reporters for coverage.
In Gaza, five additional people, including a child, died from malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total malnutrition deaths to 222, with 101 being children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN’s humanitarian agency notes that aid entering Gaza remains “far below” needs. While UN-backed experts warn of famine, Israel denies starvation claims, accusing UN agencies of failing to transport aid. The humanitarian agency reports ongoing obstacles in accessing aid from Israeli-controlled areas.
Israel’s offensive followed the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed, and 251 were taken hostage. Since then, 61,430 people have been killed in Gaza due to Israel’s military operations, as per the health ministry.