Israel’s military confirmed it deliberately targeted Sharif, labelling him a Hamas “terrorist” responsible for rocket attacks, a claim Al Jazeera and press freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have dismissed as baseless. The Israeli military released a graphic listing Sharif among Hamas operatives, branding him “Eliminated.”
The bodies, wrapped in white shrouds, were carried through Gaza’s bombed-out streets to their graves, with mourners, including journalists in blue flak jackets, paying their respects. Al Jazeera condemned the strike as a “targeted assassination” to silence reporting on the 22-month war, which has killed at least 61,430 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Sharif, a well-known figure for his coverage of Gaza’s hardships, had previously been accused by Israel of Hamas ties, allegations the CPJ in July called part of a pattern of unsubstantiated claims against journalists. Reporters Without Borders reports nearly 200 journalists have been killed in the conflict, with international media largely barred from Gaza.
The strike coincides with growing criticism of Israel’s plan to expand its military campaign in Gaza, including seizing Gaza City, a move condemned by allies like Germany, which halted arms shipments, and opposed by Australia, which plans to recognise a Palestinian state. Despite this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, backed by the US, vowed to continue the offensive.
A posthumous message from Sharif urged people “not to forget Gaza,” highlighting the war’s devastation.