An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City has resulted in the death of Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al Sharif, along with three other journalists. The attack occurred on Sunday, targeting a tent where reporters were stationed outside the al-Shifa hospital, a key medical facility in the area. Al Jazeera confirmed the deaths of Al Sharif, fellow correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Al Sharif was not merely a journalist but allegedly the head of a Hamas cell involved in rocket attacks against Israel. The IDF claimed to have intelligence supporting this assertion, stating, "Anas Al Sharif served as the head of a terrorist cell in the Hamas terrorist organization and was responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops."

This incident follows a recent appeal from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which expressed grave concerns for Al Sharif's safety. The CPJ accused the IDF of conducting a smear campaign against him, suggesting that it could lead to his assassination. Al Sharif was a prominent figure in Gaza journalism, known for his extensive social media following and his commitment to reporting the truth.

The airstrike killed a total of seven people, according to Al Jazeera. The network has condemned the attack, asserting that Al Sharif was a journalist and not affiliated with Hamas. In a statement, Al Jazeera criticized the Israeli military for what it described as a campaign of incitement against its reporters, particularly targeting Al Sharif.

The IDF has faced criticism for its actions in Gaza, with Reporters Without Borders reporting that over 200 journalists have been killed since the onset of the Israel-Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023. The CPJ noted that at least 186 journalists have died in the conflict, with the majority being Palestinians killed by Israeli forces.

Al Sharif's final social media posts were made just minutes before his death, where he shared a video of the ongoing bombings in Gaza City. He leaves behind two children. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with many journalists facing increasing risks as they attempt to report on the conflict.

This incident highlights the growing dangers for journalists in conflict zones, as they strive to provide coverage amid escalating violence. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for accountability and protection for media personnel in the region.