The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the killing of Anas al-Sharif, who was posing as a journalist for the Qatari network Al Jazeera while leading a Hamas terrorist cell. Al-Sharif was killed in Gaza City on Saturday. According to the Israeli military, he was responsible for planning and executing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF personnel.

The IDF has released intelligence and documents recovered in Gaza that confirm al-Sharif's military role within Hamas. These documents include personnel rosters, records of terrorist training courses, phone directories, and salary documents, all of which substantiate his involvement as a combatant and commander. The evidence also indicates al-Sharif's integration within Al Jazeera, despite the network's attempts to distance itself from his activities.

Al-Sharif had been affiliated with Hamas since 2013, serving as a fighter and cell leader. He led rocket units and participated in elite Nukhba battalions. The records reveal not only his clear ties to terrorist operations but also his efforts to use journalistic credentials as a cover for his activities.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon commented on the operation, stating, "A terrorist with a camera is still a terrorist! I commend our security forces for eliminating the terrorist Anas Jamal Mahmoud Al-Sharif, who operated under the guise of an Al Jazeera journalist."

Col. Avichay Adraee, head of the Arab Media Branch in the IDF, shared images on social media showing al-Sharif with Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar and Khalil al-Hayya. He remarked, "Only a terrorist sits in the gatherings of terrorists."

The IDF's actions reflect ongoing efforts to target individuals involved in terrorist activities, particularly those who may use media roles to mask their operations.