Al Jazeera staff killed by Israel: Gaza mourners gather at funeral

Al‑Jazeera Staff Lethal Strike Amid Gaza Campaign Extension

Funeral Gathering for Fallen Journalists

On Monday, Gaza City mourned five Al‑Jazeera staff members and a sixth freelance reporter killed in an Israeli strike. The ceremony unfolded amid bombed structures in the courtyard of Al‑Shifa hospital.

Memorial Process

• Anas al‑Sharif, a 28‑year‑old correspondent, and four colleagues were laid to rest.
• Mohammed al‑Khaldi, the freelance reporter, also lost his life.
• Bodies wrapped in white shrouds, faces exposed, were carried through narrow alleys by mourners, including men in blue journalists’ flak jackets.

Israel’s Designation of al‑Sharif as “Terrorist”

Israel confirmed it had targeted Sharif, labeling him a “terrorist” affiliated with Hamas. The Israeli military alleged he “posed as a journalist” and “served as the head of a terrorist cell.”

Al‑Jazeera’s Response to the Strike

Al‑Jazeera stated its employees were hit in a tent set up for journalists outside the main gate of a hospital in Gaza City. The four other staff members killed were Mohammed Qreiqeh (correspondent), Ibrahim Zaher (cameraman), Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa.

Critical Reaction and International Support

• CPJ called for protection of Sharif and accused Israel of labeling journalists as militants without credible evidence.
• Al‑Jazeera described the attack as a “desperate attempt to silence voices exposing Israeli occupation.”
• ReportsWithoutBorders noted nearly 200 journalists have been killed in the war.

Israel’s Expansion Plans and Global Response

The security cabinet voted to conquer the remaining quarter of the territory not yet controlled by Israeli troops. This move sparked opposition from Israeli protesters, Germany (which suspended arms shipments), and Australia (which recognized a Palestinian state).

Netanyahu’s Stance and US Confirmation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged that “We will win the war, with or without the support of others.” The United States affirmed its support for Israel’s military plans.

UN and Humanitarian Concerns

UN Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jencă warned that implementing the expansion could trigger another calamity in Gaza. UN agencies highlighted famine risks due to severe restrictions on aid entry.

Casualty Figures

• At least 61,430 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
• Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel caused the death of 1,219 people, as per AFP’s official tally.