Why it matters:
The journalists, who had been threatened by the Israeli Army for months, are now among the more than 230 media workers who have been killed by Israeli weapons since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza.
The recent targeted assassination has raised urgent concerns about press safety and Israel's targeting of media workers. The strike also escalates tensions between Israel and Qatar, which funds Al Jazeera.
The big picture:
This incident continues a disturbing pattern of journalist casualties in Gaza, where media workers operate under extreme danger while covering the humanitarian crisis. Israel has previously shut down Al Jazeera's operations in the occupied lands, accusing it of bias.
What they're saying:
Al Jazeera has condemned Israel’s targeted assassination of five of its staff, including correspondent Anas al-Sharif, saying the order to kill him and his colleagues “is a desperate attempt to silence the voices exposing the impending seizure and occupation of Gaza”.
The UN has condemned Israel’s killing of Al Jazeera journalists. This comes as calls mount for international media to be allowed into the Strip, with the UN demanding that Israel uphold freedom of the press.
Palestinian officials and press freedom groups have also denounced the targeted killing, with the Committee to Protect Journalists calling for those responsible to be held accountable.
Key points:
- Victims included correspondent Anas al-Sharif, reporter Mohammed Qreiqeh, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa
- Airstrikes hit a tent near a hospital entrance where journalists were stationed
- The Israeli regime confirmed the attack.
Go deeper:
The attack comes as Israel faces growing international scrutiny over its military actions in Gaza, including the bombing of protected sites like hospitals and schools. Media watchdogs warn that these journalist deaths threaten the world's ability to independently verify conditions in the besieged territory.
Israeli Airstrikes Claim 2 Journalists' Lives in Northern Gaza
M.Majdi - Hossein Vaez
