The director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City reported the martyrdom of Al Jazeera reporters Anas Al-Sharif and Muhammad Qariqa due to an Israeli airstrike targeting the journalists’ tent located in front of the main gate of the complex. Five people were killed in the strike, including the two reporters and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Muhammad Nofal. The director confirmed that the strike killed these media professionals while performing their duties covering field events. The Israeli army announced in a statement that Anas Al-Sharif was targeted in Gaza City, claiming he disguised himself as a journalist working for Al Jazeera. The statement alleged that Al-Sharif was the head of a Hamas cell responsible for carrying out rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and military forces.

Intelligence documents found in Gaza, including personnel lists, training courses, phone directories, and salary documents, were cited as proof of Al-Sharif’s military affiliation with Hamas and involvement in terrorist activities. The statement also mentioned evidence alleging Al-Sharif’s connection to the Qatari Al Jazeera network. The Israeli army said all measures were taken to minimize collateral damage to civilians, including the use of precision munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence gathering before the strike.