Al Jazeera says five journalists killed in Israeli strike in Gaza
AFP
Mourners and colleagues surround the bodies of Al-Jazeera Arabic journalist Ismail al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami al-Refee, killed in an Israeli strike during their coverage of Gaza's Al-Shati refugee camp, on July 31, 2024.
Photo:
ABOOD ABUSALAMA
Al Jazeera said two of its correspondents, including a prominent reporter, and three cameramen were killed in an Israeli strike on their tent in Gaza City on Sunday.
The Israeli military admitted in a statement to targeting Anas al-Sharif, the reporter it labelled as a "terrorist" affiliated with Hamas.
The attack was the latest to see journalists targeted in the 22-month war in Gaza, with around 200 media workers killed over the course of the conflict, according to media watchdogs.
"Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif has been killed alongside four colleagues in a targeted Israeli attack on a tent housing journalists in Gaza City," the Qatar-based broadcaster said.
"Al-Sharif, 28, was killed on Sunday after a tent for journalists outside the main gate of the hospital was hit. The well-known Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent reportedly extensively from northern Gaza."
The channel said that five of its staff members were killed during the strike on a tent in Gaza City, listing the others as Mohammed Qreiqeh along with camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa.
The Israeli military confirmed that it had carried out the attack, saying it had struck Al Jazeera's al-Sharif and calling him a "terrorist" who "posed as a journalist".
"A short while ago, in Gaza City, the IDF struck the terrorist Anas Al-Sharif, who posed as a journalist for the Al Jazeera network," it said on Telegram, using an acronym for the military.
"Anas Al-Sharif served as the head of a terrorist cell in the Hamas terrorist organisation and was responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops," it added.
Al-Sharif was one of the channel's most recognisable faces working on the ground in Gaza, providing daily reports in regular coverage.
Following a press conference by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, where the premier defended approving a new offensive in Gaza, al-Sharif posted messages on X describing "intense, concentrated Israeli bombardment" on Gaza City.
One of his final messages included a short video showing nearby Israeli strikes hitting Gaza City.
In July, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued a statement calling for his protection as it accused the Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee of stepping up online attacks on the reporter by alleging that he was a Hamas terrorist.
Following the attack, the CPJ said it was "appalled" to learn of the journalists' deaths.
"Israel's pattern of labelling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom," said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah.
"Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. Those responsible for these killings must be held accountable."
The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate condemned what it described as a "bloody crime" of assassination.
Israel and Al Jazeera have had a contentious relationship for years, with Israeli authorities banning the channel in the country and raiding its offices following the latest war in Gaza.
Qatar, which partly funds Al Jazeera, has hosted an office for the Hamas political leadership for years and been a frequent venue for indirect talks between Israel and the militant group.
With Gaza sealed off, many media groups around the world, including AFP, depend on photo, video and text coverage of the conflict provided by Palestinian reporters.
Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in early July that more than 200 journalists had been killed in Gaza since the war began, including several Al Jazeera journalists.
International criticism is growing over the plight of the more than two million Palestinian civilians in Gaza, with UN agencies and rights groups warning that a famine is unfolding in the territory.
The targeted strike comes as Israel announced plans to expand its military operations on the ground in Gaza, with Netanyahu saying on Sunday that the new offensive was set to target the remaining Hamas strongholds there.
He also announced a plan to allow more foreign journalists to report inside Gaza with the military, as he laid out his vision for victory in the territory.
A UN official warned the Security Council that Israel's plans to control Gaza City risked "another calamity" with far-reaching consequences.
"If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacement, killings, and destruction," UN Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council.
- AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
3 hours ago
- RNZ News
Six journalists killed in Israeli strike in Gaza
By AFP Mourners and colleagues surround the bodies of Al-Jazeera Arabic journalist Ismail al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami al-Refee, killed in an Israeli strike during their coverage of Gaza's Al-Shati refugee camp, on July 31, 2024. Photo: ABOOD ABUSALAMA Al Jazeera said two of its correspondents, including a prominent reporter, three cameramen and another journalist were killed in an Israeli strike on their tent in Gaza City on Sunday. The Israeli military admitted in a statement to targeting Anas al-Sharif, the reporter it labelled as a "terrorist" affiliated with Hamas. The attack was the latest to see journalists targeted in the 22-month war in Gaza, with around 200 media workers killed over the course of the conflict, according to media watchdogs. "Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif has been killed alongside four colleagues in a targeted Israeli attack on a tent housing journalists in Gaza City," the Qatar-based broadcaster said. "Al-Sharif, 28, was killed on Sunday after a tent for journalists outside the main gate of the hospital was hit. The well-known Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent reportedly extensively from northern Gaza." The channel said that five of its staff members were killed during the strike on a tent in Gaza City, listing the others as Mohammed Qreiqeh along with camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa. A sixth journalist, Mohammad Al-Khaldi, a local freelance reporter, was also killed in the airstrike, medics at Al Shifa Hospital said on Monday. The Israeli military confirmed that it had carried out the attack, saying it had struck Al Jazeera's al-Sharif and calling him a "terrorist" who "posed as a journalist". "A short while ago, in Gaza City, the IDF struck the terrorist Anas Al-Sharif, who posed as a journalist for the Al Jazeera network," it said on Telegram, using an acronym for the military. "Anas Al-Sharif served as the head of a terrorist cell in the Hamas terrorist organisation and was responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops," it added. Al-Sharif was one of the channel's most recognisable faces working on the ground in Gaza, providing daily reports in regular coverage. Following a press conference by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, where the premier defended approving a new offensive in Gaza, al-Sharif posted messages on X describing "intense, concentrated Israeli bombardment" on Gaza City. One of his final messages included a short video showing nearby Israeli strikes hitting Gaza City. In July, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued a statement calling for his protection as it accused the Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee of stepping up online attacks on the reporter by alleging that he was a Hamas terrorist. Following the attack, the CPJ said it was "appalled" to learn of the journalists' deaths. "Israel's pattern of labelling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom," said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah. "Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. Those responsible for these killings must be held accountable." The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate condemned what it described as a "bloody crime" of assassination. Israel and Al Jazeera have had a contentious relationship for years, with Israeli authorities banning the channel in the country and raiding its offices following the latest war in Gaza. Qatar, which partly funds Al Jazeera, has hosted an office for the Hamas political leadership for years and been a frequent venue for indirect talks between Israel and the militant group. With Gaza sealed off, many media groups around the world, including AFP, depend on photo, video and text coverage of the conflict provided by Palestinian reporters. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in early July that more than 200 journalists had been killed in Gaza since the war began, including several Al Jazeera journalists. International criticism is growing over the plight of the more than two million Palestinian civilians in Gaza, with UN agencies and rights groups warning that a famine is unfolding in the territory. The targeted strike comes as Israel announced plans to expand its military operations on the ground in Gaza, with Netanyahu saying on Sunday that the new offensive was set to target the remaining Hamas strongholds there. He also announced a plan to allow more foreign journalists to report inside Gaza with the military, as he laid out his vision for victory in the territory. A UN official warned the Security Council that Israel's plans to control Gaza City risked "another calamity" with far-reaching consequences. "If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacement, killings, and destruction," UN Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council. - AFP
1News
3 hours ago
- 1News
Netanyahu defends new Gaza military offensive, says it will be wider than announced
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today defended a new military offensive in Gaza that's more sweeping than previously announced, declaring in the face of growing condemnation at home and abroad that Israel 'has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas'. Even as more Israelis express concern over the 22-month war, Netanyahu said the security Cabinet last week instructed the dismantling of Hamas strongholds not only in Gaza City but also in the 'central camps' and Muwasi. A source familiar with the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media, confirmed that Israel plans it in both areas. The camps — sheltering well over a half-million displaced people, according to the UN — had not been part of Israel's announcement Friday. It was not clear why, though Netanyahu faced criticism this weekend within his ruling coalition that targeting Gaza City was not enough. Netanyahu said there would be 'safe zones," but such designated areas have been bombed in the past. Late Sunday (local time), heavy bombardment was reported in Gaza City. Shortly before midnight local time, broadcaster Al Jazeera said correspondent Anas al-Sharif was killed in a strike. Rami Mohanna, administrative director at the nearby Shifa Hospital, said the strike hit a tent for Al Jazeera journalists outside the hospital's walls. Along with al-Sharif, three other journalists and a driver were killed. Israel's military confirmed it, asserting al-Sharif had 'posed as a journalist' and alleging he was with Hamas. Al-Sharif had denied having any political affiliations. The Committee to Protect Journalists last month said it was gravely concerned for his safety and said he was a 'targeted by an Israeli military smear campaign'. ADVERTISEMENT Netanyahu spoke with Trump about plan Netanyahu's office late Sunday (local time) said he had spoken with US President Donald Trump about the plan and thanked him for his 'steadfast support'. Rejecting starvation in Gaza as well as a 'global campaign of lies," Netanyahu spoke to foreign media just before an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, a platform for outrage but little action on the war. 'Our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza,' Netanyahu asserted. The goals, he said, include demilitarising the territory, the Israeli military having 'overriding security control' and a non-Israeli civilian administration in charge. Israel wants to increase the number of aid distribution sites in Gaza, he said, but in a later briefing to local media, he asserted: 'There is no hunger. There was no hunger. There was a shortage, and there was certainly no policy of starvation." Netanyahu also said he has directed Israel's military to 'bring in more foreign journalists' — which would be a striking development, as they haven't been allowed into Gaza beyond military embeds during the war. He again blamed many of Gaza's problems on the Hamas militant group, including civilian deaths, destruction and aid shortages. 'Hamas still has thousands of armed terrorists," he asserted, adding that Palestinians are 'begging' to be freed from them. ADVERTISEMENT Hamas responded with a lengthy statement that summed up Netanyahu's remarks as 'blatant lies'. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including dire state of our heart health system, where unspent charter school money might go, and thieves make off with a pricey haul of Labubu dolls. (Source: 1News) US defends Israel at Security Council meeting The United States defended Israel, saying it has the right to decide what's best for its security. It called allegations of genocide in Gaza false. The US has veto power at the council and can block proposed actions there. Other council members, and UN officials, expressed alarm. China called the 'collective punishment' of people in Gaza unacceptable. Russia warned against a 'reckless intensification of hostilities'. 'This is no longer a looming hunger crisis; this is starvation,' said Ramesh Rajasingham with the UN humanitarian office. 'Humanitarian conditions are beyond horrific. We have frankly run out of words to describe it.' ADVERTISEMENT Israel faces growing action even by its closest allies. Netanyahu said Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany had 'buckled under' the growing international criticism by stopping exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza. Merz, for his part, told public broadcaster ARD that Germany and Israel were talking 'very critically' but Berlin's overall policies of friendship haven't changed. More Palestinians killed as they seek aid At least 31 Palestinians were killed while seeking aid in Gaza, hospitals and witnesses said. The Associated Press spoke to witnesses of gunfire in the Israeli-controlled Morag and Netzarim corridors and the Teina area in the south. All accused Israeli forces of firing at crowds trying to reach food distributions or waiting for convoys. Fifteen people were killed while waiting for trucks near the Morag corridor that separates the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, according to Nasser hospital. The situation is a 'death trap,' said Jamal al-Laweh, who said Israeli forces opened fire there. 'But I have no other choice to feed the kids.' Six were killed while waiting for aid in northern Gaza near the Zikim crossing, according to Gaza's Health Ministry and Shifa hospital. In central Gaza, witnesses said they heard warning shots before fire was aimed toward crowds trying to reach a distribution site operated by the Israeli-backed and US-funded Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The AP could not independently confirm who fired. Awda hospital said four people were killed by Israeli gunfire. ADVERTISEMENT Six other aid-seekers were killed while trying to reach GHF sites in Khan Younis and Rafah, Nasser hospital said. The GHF sites opened in May as an alternative to the UN-run aid system, but operations have been marred by deaths and chaos. Responding to AP inquiries, the GHF media office said: 'There were no incidents at or near our sites today.' Israel's military said there were no incidents involving troops near central Gaza aid sites. Hunger death toll among children hits 100 Israel's air and ground offensive has displaced most Palestinians and pushed the territory toward famine. Two Palestinian children died of malnutrition-related causes on Saturday, bringing the toll among children to 100 since the war began. At least 117 adults have died of malnutrition-related causes since June, when the ministry started to count them. The hunger toll is in addition to the ministry's war toll of 61,400 Palestinians. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals, doesn't distinguish between fighters or civilians, but says around half of the dead have been women and children. The UN and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on war casualties.
NZ Herald
4 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Government kicks can down the road on Palestinian statehood
But will it happen? When asked at his post-Cabinet press conference on Monday what the Cabinet had actually decided to do, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said there was now a 'process' the Government would work through in order to come to a final decision. When asked what this process actually was, he couldn't say. 'We had a conversation today, we'll make a Cabinet decision in September and we'll communicate that in September … but again, I'm not wanting to get ahead of the process. I don't want to presuppose an outcome,' he said. Pressed again, Luxon said there will be 'ongoing conversations with Cabinet to get to a position'. The oral item Peters said he took to the Cabinet on Monday could have thrashed the issue out there and then. Instead, the parties have resolved to work through the issue over the next month. That means the most important thing heading into September is how the various parties feel. National seems the most likely to back recognition of Palestine. National's MPs are feeling the heat from their constituents, but it has some strong backers of Israel around the Cabinet table. Act, meanwhile, is more clearly unlikely to shift from New Zealand's current position. Its view is best summed up by MP Simon Court's contribution to a parliamentary debate last month, saying that recognising a Palestinian state would be viewed as 'a reward for acts of terrorism' committed by Hamas against Israel. NZ First's position is less clear. Peters has for a long time been a staunch supporter of Israel, but the fast-changing international position could see him change his mind. Peters is the conduit for MFAT's advice to the Cabinet, and that advice is likely to reflect the fast-changing international political situation, which has rendered New Zealand's 'when' not 'if' approach to Palestinian recognition untenable. Recognition, if it happens, has been a long time coming. Of the 193 United Nations states, 147 recognise a Palestinian state. Of those countries, most made some form of recognition in the 1980s. It might have happened in 2023, when Labour took a policy to the election of inviting the General Delegation of Palestine in Canberra to present credentials in Wellington, effectively recognising Palestine's statehood. This has remained Labour policy in opposition, with the party loudly calling on the Government to recognise a Palestinian state since 2024. This seemed most unlikely nearly two years ago, when Hamas' October 7 2023 attacks on Israel, killing 1200, made the recognition of a Palestinian state seem further away than ever (whatever Labour, soon to go into opposition, might have said). But Israel's bloody war in Gaza changed all that. Since October 2023, more than 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza as a result of Israeli military operations, according to the BBC. That, plus Israel's inability to stop widespread starvation in the strip, has led the Greens and Te Pāti Māori to describe the situation as 'genocide'. The Government's position, as articulated by Peters, has been that New Zealand's longstanding support for a two-state solution means recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of 'when' rather than 'if'. That position was a convenient one. It gives the Government something to say to the majority of states that do recognise Palestine, without doing the deed itself and risking the ire of Israel and its main backer, the United States. The United States isn't idle in its threats. Last month, when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada would recognise a Palestinian state, President Donald Trump took to social media to say it would 'make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them'. New Zealand's holding pattern has become untenable, both internationally and domestically. Since French President Emmanuel Macron announced in July that France will recognise Palestine, there has been a cascade of what our Government often calls 'like-minded' nations following suit, or threatening to. This made the Government's position challenging. It was happy being among several countries waiting for certain conditions to be met to recognise a Palestinian state, but being one of the last countries to recognise a Palestinian state is about as good as not recognising one at all. The decision of Australia, New Zealand's closest partner, on Monday to join them, was possibly the cherry on top. In the past, countries like New Zealand and Australia had been able to kick the can down the road, pointing to the lack of proper infrastructure in Palestine for recognition to take place. But that position has been replaced by one articulated by Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, that if recognition did not happen now, there's a risk 'there will be no Palestine left to recognise'. The position is becoming domestically untenable too. Daily, New Zealanders read, watch and listen to the latest from Gaza, where Israel zealously prosecutes a bloody war, whilst doing little to lift the famine taking hold in the strip. National holds most of the country's electorate seats. Those electorate MPs' inboxes groan under the weight of outrage expressed by New Zealanders over what they see. As the polls start to take a tumble, those MPs are becoming increasingly sensitive to what they're hearing from their constituents. With polls on Monday showing the Government in trouble - including one poll showing a hung Parliament - it's possible that this selfish sentiment, as much as anything more altruistic, is driving some of this change, with anxiety in National's caucus room driving change at the Cabinet table.
