Israel-Gaza war: Five Al Jazeera journalists killed in Israeli strike; IDF claims one of correspondents served as 'terrorist cell leader in Hamas'

At least five Al Jazeera journalists were killed in an Israeli strike near Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital, media publication reported.Seven people died in the assault on the tent located outside the main gate of Gaza City’s Al-Shifa Hospital late on Sunday evening.

Among the victims were Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa.

Shortly before his death, al-Sharif, a well-known 28-year-old Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent who had reportedly reported extensively from northern Gaza, wrote on X that Israel had launched intense, concentrated bombardment – also known as “fire belts” – on the eastern and southern parts of Gaza City, Al Jazeera reported. In his last video, the loud booms of Israel’s intensive missile bombing can be heard in the background as the dark sky is lit in a flash of orange light. Translation: “Nonstop bombing… For the past two hours, the Israeli aggression on Gaza City has intensified.”

A fortnight ago, Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for what it termed a "campaign of incitement" against its reporters in Gaza, including Anas al-Sharif.

Shortly after the strike, the IDF confirmed that it had targeted al-Sharif, stating on Telegram that he had "served as the head of a terrorist cell in Hamas". The IDF did not mention any of the other journalists who were killed.

In July 2023, the Al Jazeera Media Network issued a statement denouncing "relentless efforts" by the IDF for an "ongoing campaign of incitement targeting Al Jazeera's correspondents and journalists in the Gaza Strip". "The Network considers this incitement a dangerous attempt to justify the targeting of its journalists in the field," it added. The IDF statement accused al-Sharif of posing as a journalist and being "responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops". It said it had previously "disclosed intelligence" confirming his military affiliation, which included "lists of terrorist training courses".

"Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munition, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence," the statement added. Since Israel launched its war on the enclave in October 2023, it has routinely accused Palestinian journalists in Gaza of being Hamas members as part of what rights groups say is an effort to discredit their reporting of Israeli abuses. The Israeli military has killed more than 200 reporters and media workers since its bombardment began, including several Al Jazeera journalists and their relatives.