An Israeli drone strike outside Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital late Sunday killed seven people, including several prominent Al Jazeera journalists. Among the victims were correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal, all stationed in a media tent.
Local freelance reporter Mohammed al-Khaldi also died in the attack, while Reporters Without Borders confirmed three additional journalists suffered injuries. Hours before the strike 28 year old Anasal-Sharif had reported on Israel’s heavy bombardment of Gaza, becoming one of the most recognized reports in the enclave.
The Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the strike as a targeted assassination of its journalists, accusing Israel of deliberately silencing voices documenting the war. The Palestinian mission to the United Nations described the victims as among the last remaining journalists in Gaza.
Hamas also denounced the killings, calling them part of an unprecedented campaign to suppress media coverage before further planned assaults. Iran’s Foreign Ministry urged global action, labeling the killings deliberate and in cold blood.
Qatar’s Prime Minister called the attack a shocking violation of press freedom and a clear indication of deliberate targeting. The United Nations and its agencies condemned the incident, noting that over 240 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began.
The UN human rights office described the strike as a grave breach of international humanitarian law. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas demanded evidence for Israeli claims, labeling journalists as militants, and warning against unlawful targeting.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Reporters Without Borders, condemned the killing, citing a pattern of targeting Palestinian reporters. The Committee to Protect Journalists and the US-based National Press Club called for transparent investigations.
The Council on American Islamic Relations labeled the killings as war crimes and urged media workers to stand in solidarity. International reaction highlighted the growing concerns over journalist safety in Gaza with repeated calls for accountability and urgent protection measures.
