An outpouring of grief and condemnation has adopted the Israeli assassination of 5 Al Jazeera workers in Gaza, together with distinguished correspondent Anas al-Sharif.
The drone assault late on Sunday hit a tent for journalists positioned exterior the primary gate of Gaza Metropolis’s al-Shifa Hospital, killing seven individuals. Among the many lifeless have been Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and digicam operators Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa and Mohammed Noufal.
Simply hours earlier, al-Sharif, 28, had posted on X about Israel’s “intense, concentrated bombardment” on japanese and southern Gaza Metropolis. Recognized for his fearless reporting from northern Gaza, he had change into one of the recognisable voices documenting the continuing Israeli genocide within the enclave.
Al Jazeera Media Community has condemned what it known as a “focused assassination” of its journalists.
Beneath are just a few of the responses to the killing of Al Jazeera workers:
Palestine
The Palestinian mission to the United Nations accused Israel of “intentionally assassinating” al-Sharif and Qreiqeh, describing them as among the many “final remaining journalists” in Gaza.
“They’ve systematically and dutifully uncovered and documented Israel’s genocide and hunger,” the mission mentioned on X. “As Israel continues to ethnically cleanse Gaza, its enemy stays the reality: the courageous journalists exposing its heinous crimes.”
Iran
Iranian International Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has known as on the world to carry Israel to account after the killing of the 5 Al Jazeera workers.
“A press badge isn’t any protect towards genocidal conflict criminals who concern the world witnessing their atrocities,” mentioned Baghaei, accusing Israel of assassinating the journalists “in chilly blood”.
“Robust condemnation is the naked minimal for any respectable human being, however the world should act instantly to cease this harrowing genocide and maintain the criminals accountable,” he added.
“Indifference and inaction are complicity in Israel’s crimes.”
United Nations
UN Secretary-Normal Antonio Guterres’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, supplied condolences to “the Al Jazeera household” and known as for an investigation.
“We’ve all the time been very clear in condemning all killings of journalists,” Dujarric mentioned. “In Gaza, and in all places, media staff ought to be capable to perform their work freely and with out harassment, intimidation or concern of being focused.”
Al Jazeera Media Community has condemned “within the strongest phrases” the killing of its journalists in a focused assassination by Israeli forces.
In an announcement, the community mentioned the Israeli navy “admitted to their crimes” and intentionally directed the assault on the journalists’ location. It known as the assassination “one other blatant and premeditated assault on press freedom”.
The strike got here amid what Al Jazeera described because the “catastrophic penalties” of Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, together with mass civilian deaths, pressured hunger, and the destruction of complete communities.
The community known as the killing of al-Sharif, one in all Gaza’s most distinguished reporters, and his colleagues “a determined try to silence the voices exposing the upcoming seizure and occupation of Gaza”.
Committee to Defend Journalists
The Committee to Defend Journalists (CPJ) says it’s “appalled” by Israel’s killing of Al Jazeera journalists.
“Israel’s sample of labeling journalists as militants with out offering credible proof raises severe questions on its intent and respect for press freedom,” mentioned the CPJ’s regional director, Sara Qudah.
“These accountable for these killings have to be held accountable,” Qudah added.
Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the CPJ, recalled how Israel accused al-Sharif and others of being “terrorists” final October with out proof.
“We warned again then that this felt to us like a precursor to justify assassination,” she informed Al Jazeera. “That is a part of a sample … going again a long time, during which it kills journalists.”
Amnesty Worldwide
Amnesty Worldwide condemned the strike as a conflict crime beneath worldwide regulation and remembered al-Sharif as a “courageous and extraordinary” reporter.
In 2024, al-Sharif was awarded Amnesty Worldwide Australia’s Human Rights Defender Award for his resilience and dedication to press freedom.
“We at Amnesty Worldwide are devastated and heartbroken,” mentioned Mohamed Duar, Amnesty Worldwide Australia’s spokesperson on the occupied Palestinian territory. “Anas devoted his life to standing earlier than the digicam, exposing Israel’s atrocities towards Palestinians, and documenting the reality so the world may bear witness.
“The brave and courageous journalists who’ve been reporting because the genocide started have been working in essentially the most harmful circumstances on Earth. At nice danger to their lives, they’ve remained to point out the world the conflict crimes being dedicated by Israel towards nearly two million Palestinian ladies, males and youngsters,” he added.
Nationwide Press Membership
Mike Balsamo, president of the US-based Nationwide Press Membership, mentioned the killing of journalists is “a loss felt far past one newsroom” and urged a “thorough and clear” investigation.
“Journalists should be capable to work with out being focused or killed,” Balsamo mentioned. “All events in battle zones should honour their obligations beneath worldwide regulation to guard reporters and guarantee they’ll perform their work safely.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned Israel’s killing of 5 Al Jazeera journalists and known as on US and worldwide media staff to “stand in solidarity” with their Palestinian colleagues.
“Israel’s ongoing marketing campaign of focused assassinations of Palestinian journalists is a conflict crime, plain and easy,” CAIR Nationwide Govt Director Nihad Awad mentioned in an announcement.
“The homicide of those Al Jazeera journalists shouldn’t be an accident or collateral harm – it’s a part of a constant, documented coverage of silencing media voices and hiding the reality of the genocide being carried out by Israel in Gaza,” Awad mentioned.
Since October 2023, Israel has killed 269 journalists in Gaza, within the deadliest battle ever recorded for reporters.