Al Jazeera’s Anas Al Sharif Killed in Gaza: His Final Words Echo Worldwide
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, veteran Al Jazeera journalist Anas Jamal Al Sharif lost his life in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, marking yet another tragedy in the ongoing conflict. Al Sharif, just 28 years old, was killed alongside three fellow journalists and an assistant when missiles struck their tent near Shifa Hospital, according to local officials and Al Jazeera. Two others also perished in the attack.
The Israeli military claimed Al Sharif was a leader of a Hamas cell responsible for orchestrating attacks — an allegation widely disputed by rights advocates and press freedom groups, which accused Israel of targeting him for his courageous frontline reporting. International organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and UN experts, stated they have seen no credible evidence supporting the Israeli claims.
For months, Anas Al Sharif relentlessly documented the devastation of the war, broadcasting the suffering and resilience of Gaza’s people to viewers around the world. Fully aware of the risks that came with his work, Al Sharif prepared a poignant final message — described as his “final will” — to be published should he fall victim to the violence.
In his last words, which appeared on social media after his death, Al Sharif wrote:
“If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Allah knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of the Jabalia refugee camp.”
He reflected on his lifelong hope of returning to his ancestral hometown of Asqalan (Al-Majdal) — a dream now cut short. In his farewell, Al Sharif entrusted Palestine to the conscience of the world, urging everyone “not to let chains silence you, nor borders restrain you” in the ongoing struggle. He closed with intimate requests for the care of his wife Bayan, their daughter Sham, son Salah, and his mother — calling her prayers his “fortress.” His enduring plea concluded: “Do not forget Gaza, and do not forget me in your sincere prayers.”
Al Jazeera condemned the attack, calling it a “desperate attempt to silence voices in anticipation of the occupation of Gaza,” and rejected Israel’s allegations against its journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists and other media watchdogs warned that the repeated targeting of reporters in Gaza erodes press freedom and multiplies the human toll, which, according to local authorities, has claimed over 230 journalists since the war began in October 2023.
