The widow of slain Al Jazeera journalist Mohammed Qreiqeh
has passionately demanded justice, urging to "stop the killing of our
spouses" following the deliberate Israeli strike that killed five Al
Jazeera journalists in Gaza, including prominent correspondent Anas al-Sharif.
The killings have drawn sharp condemnation from media organisations, human
rights groups, and global protests, with Israel facing accusations of targeted
attacks meant to silence reporting on Gaza’s war and humanitarian crisis.
Deliberate Israeli strike kills five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza
On the night of Sunday, 10 August 2025, Israel’s military
carried out a drone strike on a tent used by journalists located near the
al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. This attack resulted in the deaths of five Al
Jazeera journalists along with two others, with three more journalists injured
in the incident. The deceased include senior correspondent Anas al-Sharif,
cameramen Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa. A
freelance journalist, Mohammad al-Khaldi, was also killed.
Anas al-Sharif was 28 years old and widely recognised for
his courageous, frontline reporting from Gaza, often providing live updates under
dangerous conditions. Prior to the incident, he had posted on social media
about intense Israeli bombardments targeting areas of Gaza City. In a poignant
message prepared for release after his death, al-Sharif expressed his
commitment to honest reporting and lamented leaving behind his wife Bayan and
children Salah and Sham.
Israel accuses al-Sharif of Hamas ties, Al Jazeera and advocates reject claims
The Israeli military justified its strike by alleging that
Anas al-Sharif was linked to Hamas, accusing him of heading a Hamas cell
involved in rocket attacks against Israeli civilians. The military claimed to
possess documents purportedly proving his affiliation (including a list of
individuals trained and receiving salaries), and stated the strike was aimed at
neutralising this threat while attempting to limit civilian casualties.
However, Al Jazeera Media Network has categorically rejected
these allegations, describing the attack as a “targeted assassination” aimed at
silencing journalists exposing the realities of the Gaza conflict. Analysts and
press freedom groups including the Committee to Protect Journalists and UN
experts have stated there is no credible evidence to support Israeli claims.
The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor’s Muhammed Shehada called the accusations
“zero evidence,” highlighting that al-Sharif’s life was dedicated to reporting
rather than any hostile activity.
Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists,
emphasised to the BBC that working as a media advisor or journalist does not make
a person a combatant, reinforcing the need for adherence to international law
protecting media workers during conflicts.
Al Jazeera condemns killing as part of wider assault on press freedom
Al Jazeera’s statement outlined that this tragic incident reflects
a desperate attempt by Israeli forces to suppress truth as Gaza faces
bombardment, civilian casualties, starvation, and destruction. The network
mourned the loss of its “most courageous journalists” whose brave coverage
provided rare unfiltered insights from within the besieged territory amid a
media blockade preventing most international journalists' entry.
Wael Dahdouh, Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief who has lost
family members in the conflict, also spoke out about the devastating personal
and professional impact of the attack.
Widow’s emotional plea for justice and to end violence against journalists
Mohammed Qreiqeh’s widow, Hala Qreiqeh, publicly demanded
justice and appealed for an end to the killing of media professionals. She
described her late husband as a loving father and husband whose life was
tragically cut short to silence crucial coverage of the Gaza war. Her
grief-stricken plea, “Stop the killing of our spouses,” has resonated worldwide
as a call to protect journalists reporting from conflict zones.
Global outrage and protests demand accountability
The killing of these journalists prompted immediate
international condemnation. Various media rights groups, human rights organisations
such as Amnesty International, and the United Nations called for accountability
and measures to protect press freedom. The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of
Expression highlighted the absence of credible evidence supporting Israel’s
allegations and warned about the grave dangers journalists face reporting in
Gaza.
Protests erupted globally, targeting Israel and media
outlets perceived as excusing or downplaying the attacks on journalists. The
Palestinian mission to the UN accused Israel of systematically silencing
witnesses documenting genocide and starvation in Gaza.
Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis and press environment
The recent killings occur against the backdrop of over 22
months of ongoing Israeli bombardments amid an escalating famine and blockade
in Gaza. The region has seen widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure
and a rising death toll, with the media playing a critical role in informing
the world of the humanitarian plight. Since the conflict began in October 2023,
over 230 journalists have been reported killed in Gaza, reflecting the extreme
risks media workers undertake in the territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined plans
for renewed military offensives aimed at Hamas strongholds, intensifying
tensions and violence in the region.
Biographies of the slain journalists highlight bravery and dedication
- Anas
al-Sharif: A frontline correspondent known for live reporting under fire
and a visible presence on social media with over 500,000 followers. His
work provided vital coverage of Gaza’s situation and was recognised
internationally, including being part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning Reuters
team in 2024.
- Mohammed
Qreiqeh: Cameraman and dedicated family man, remembered fondly by his wife
and colleagues for his compassion and professionalism.
- Ibrahim
Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa: Cameramen and operators who
worked alongside the correspondents, helping document the conflict under
perilous conditions.
The deliberate targeting and killing of these Al Jazeera
journalists represent a profound loss for media freedom and the global
community’s right to unbiased, timely information amid one of the world’s most
severe conflicts. The widow’s plea and the international outcry underscore the
urgency of protecting journalists and upholding accountability in war zones.
The world continues to watch closely, demanding justice for
Mohammed Qreiqeh, Anas al-Sharif, and their colleagues whose voices were
extinguished for bearing witness to Gaza’s suffering.
Stop the killing of our spouses.
— Hala Qreiqeh, widow of Mohammed Qreiqeh