The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Monday confirmed that Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif was killed by a Gaza strike, stating that he was "the head of a terrorist cell in Hamas" and emphasizing that "a press badge isn't a shield for terrorism."
al-Sharif was killed with four colleagues — Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal — the IDF said.
The military claimed in its statement that al-Sharif was a senior Hamas member who was in charge of developing rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. It stated evidence gathered in Gaza, including rosters, terrorist training records, and payroll documents, confirmed his Hamas membership and assimilation within Al Jazeera.
The IDF further stated that it had earlier, in October, published documents that were seized from Gaza and "unequivocally" proved al-Sharif's "military affiliation with Hamas." The newly mentioned documents, it continued, further supported his role, regardless of Al Jazeera's claims to the contrary. The records, according to reports, featured lists of personnel, training timetables, phone books, and payroll that the military asserts indicate his double role as both a member of Hamas and an Al Jazeera worker.
The Israeli military reported that prior to the attack, they made efforts to minimize civilian fatalities through the use of precision-guided weapons, aerial reconnaissance, and making other intelligence assessments.
Just before his death, al-Sharif had been very active on social media, tweeting on X regarding continuous bombardments by Israel in Gaza. Following reports of his murder, a pre-written message published from his account by his associates stated: "If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice."
