TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Anas al-Sharif, a journalist for Al Jazeera, was only 28 years old. He was gathered with his colleagues in a tent near the entrance of al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City when an Israeli attack killed him.
Along with al-Sharif, four other Al Jazeera reporters and cameramen, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa,also lost their lives in the attack on Sunday night, Al Jazeera reported.
Just before the attack, al-Sharif had posted a video on social media about the intense Israeli bombardment in Gaza City, describing it as a "ring of fire" hitting the eastern and southern parts of the city. His final video captured the sound of continuous missile attacks lighting up the night sky.
Israel’s Accusations
The Israeli military admitted to carrying out the attack and labeled al-Sharif a "terrorist." They claimed he led a Hamas cell and was involved in rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers, presenting what they said were intelligence documents as evidence, as reported by NDTV.
However, human rights analysts and the Al Jazeera Media Network strongly refuted these claims, describing them as unfounded and part of a systematic campaign to silence Palestinian journalists reporting on the conflict. No independent evidence has been made publicly available to support Israel's accusations.
A Brave Journalist’s Persona
Born in the Jabalia refugee camp, al-Sharif was known for his courage in reporting from the front lines of northern Gaza during times of conflict. He graduated from Al-Aqsa University with a degree in mass communication, specializing in radio and television.
He began his media career as a volunteer before becoming an Al Jazeera correspondent in northern Gaza.
Despite being repeatedly warned and accused by the Israeli military of being a Hamas member — allegations firmly denied by human rights groups and Al Jazeera — he continued his reporting from Gaza.
Anas al-Sharif is remembered as one of the bravest journalists in Gaza. He was married to Bayan Khalid and had two children. His death highlights the dangerous conditions faced by Palestinian journalists, with over 200 media workers reportedly killed in Gaza since October 2023 during the ongoing conflict.
Al-Sharif’s Final Message
Al-Sharif’s final message on social media, uploaded posthumously by a friend, reflected his dedication to documenting the suffering of the Palestinian people and calling for continued resistance while honoring Gaza’s struggle.
The message expressed his hope for liberation and his love for his family, including his young daughter whom he would never see grow up. It emphasized his unwavering commitment to journalistic principles, even in the face of mortal danger.
According to the Palestine Chronicle, less than two weeks before his death, the Committee to Protect Journalists had warned that his life was in "acute" danger due to repeated threats made by an Israeli military spokesperson.
Anticipating the worst, al-Sharif had prepared a farewell message to be released in the event of his death. His family and colleagues later uploaded it to his social media account.
Here is Anas al-Sharif’s final message:
This is my will and my final message. 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. My hope was that Allah would extend my life so I could return with my family and loved ones to our original town of occupied Asqalan (Al-Majdal). But Allah’s will came first, and His decree is final. I have lived through pain in all its details, tasted suffering and loss many times, yet I never once hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or falsification— so that Allah may bear witness against those who stayed silent,
those who accepted our killing, those who choked our breath, and whose hearts were unmoved by the scattered remains of our children and women, doing nothing to stop the massacre that our people have faced for more than a year and a half.
I entrust you with Palestine— the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world, the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you with its people, with its wronged and innocent children who never had the time to dream or live in safety and peace. Their pure bodies were crushed under thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and missiles, torn apart and scattered across the walls.
I urge you not to let chains silence you, nor borders restrain you. Be bridges toward the liberation of the land and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our stolen homeland. I entrust you to take care of my family. I entrust you with my beloved daughter Sham, the light of my eyes, whom I never got the chance to watch grow up as I had dreamed.
I entrust you with my dear son Salah, whom I had wished to support and accompany through life until he grew strong enough to carry my burden and continue the mission.
I entrust you with my beloved mother, whose blessed prayers brought me to where I am, whose supplications were my fortress and whose light guided my path. I pray that Allah grants her strength and rewards her on my behalf with the best of rewards.
I also entrust you with my lifelong companion, my beloved wife, Umm Salah (Bayan), from whom the war separated me for many long days and months. Yet she remained faithful to our bond, steadfast as the trunk of an olive tree that does not bend— patient, trusting in Allah, and carrying the responsibility in my absence with all her strength and faith.
I urge you to stand by them, to be their support after Allah Almighty. If I die, I die steadfast upon my principles. I testify before Allah that I am content with His decree,
certain of meeting Him, and assured that what is with Allah is better and everlasting.
O Allah, accept me among the martyrs, forgive my past and future sins, and make my blood a light that illuminates the path of freedom for my people and my family. Forgive me if I have fallen short, and pray for me with mercy, for I kept my promise and never changed or betrayed it.
Do not forget Gaza… And do not forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance.
Anas Jamal Al-Sharif
06.04.2025
This is what our beloved Anas requested to be published upon his martyrdom.
Editor’s Choice: Israeli Airstrike Kills Anas al-Sharif and 4 More Al Jazeera Journalists in Gaza
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