Five Al Jazeera journalists killed in Israeli strike in Gaza, IDF identifies Anas al-Sharif as Hamas terrorist

According to reports, seven people died when IDF hit a tent outside the main gate of Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital late on Sunday evening.

The deceased journalists were identified as Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa.

Anas al-Sharif has reported extensively from northern Gaza since the conflict began nearly two years ago.

In his last X post, he wrote: "Breaking: Intense, concentrated Israeli bombardment using 'fire belts' is hitting the eastern and southern areas of Gaza City."

He also shared a video where a loud sound could be heard due to Israeli bombing in Gaza.

Al Jazeera condemns the attack

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera network has condemned the attack and said in a statement:  “This attack comes amid the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, which has seen the relentless slaughter of civilians, forced starvation, and the obliteration of entire communities."

“The order to assassinate Anas Al Sharif, one of Gaza’s bravest journalists, and his colleagues, is a desperate attempt to silence the voices exposing the impending seizure and occupation of Gaza," the media network further said.

IDF calls Anas al-Sharif a Hamas terrorist

Meanwhile, IDF confirmed the death of the journalist in its strike but identified him as a Hamas terrorist.

IDF wrote on X: "Hamas terrorist Anas Al-Sharif, who posed as an Al Jazeera journalist."

The X post further said: "Al-Sharif was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell and advanced rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF troops."

"Intelligence and documents from Gaza, including rosters, terrorist training lists and salary records, prove he was a Hamas operative integrated into Al Jazeera," IDF said.

IDF did not mention the names of other journalists killed in the strike.