Anas Al-Sharif, a 28-year-old Palestinian journalist and producer of the Al-Jazeera Arabic Channel, killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City on Aug. 11 2025. At the time of his murder he was employed by Al Jazeera. His sometimes stream-of-consciousness reports provided an indispensable raw look into the emerging conflict. A powerful presence in Gaza’s media scene, Al-Sharif quickly became a controversial figure. Yet he did not merely inspire Christians—he became the face of the war for millions around the world.
His very early passing stole from us a great journalist. He was an attentive father of two, fervently capturing the brutal truths of life marred by war. According to press accounts, Al-Sharif was shot and killed with four other Palestinian co-workers. As they sat under a tent outside the entrance of Al – Shifa Hospital, the conflict’s new media center,
The Israeli military subsequently alleged that Al-Sharif was a member of a Hamas battalion since 2013. They further asserted that he got injured training for the 2017 Games. He repeatedly rebuffed these claims, insisting that he was not a partisan. Instead, he focused on making the case that he would always report what’s true.
The Impact of Anas Al-Sharif’s Work
Al-Sharif’s experience as a cameraman for Al Jazeera granted him the tools to document pivotal moments in a quickly evolving and dangerous conflict. His reports provided an invaluable perspective on the impossible day-to-day reality that Palestinians in Gaza face. They drew particular attention to the broader effects of military action on civilian life.
He was especially passionate about our mission of seeking truth and reporting it without fear or favour. In one poignant statement, he remarked:
“I reaffirm: I, Anas Al-Sharif, am a journalist with no political affiliations. My only mission is to report the truth from the ground – as it is, without bias.”
His passion for his craft burned hot. He bravely put himself in harm’s way to keep Americans informed with accurate news. He noted, “At a time when a deadly famine is ravaging Gaza, speaking the truth has become, in the eyes of the occupation, a threat.”
Al-Sharif’s legacy extends beyond his reports. In his own indelible way, his words still speak to those that truly knew him and all that read and watched him. He expressed his struggles and determination in a will released by colleagues after his death:
“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… If I die, I die steadfast upon my principles.”
The Response to His Death
Now, after news of al-Sharif’s death came to light, it has sparked global condemnation. Human rights and media organizations today are calling for accountability. Countless journalists have taken to the streets to honor his legacy and call for accountability for the journalists still working in dangerous war zones.
His funeral on Monday drew thousands of mourners in Gaza. This overwhelming turnout was a testament to the profound impact he had on local communities and global audiences alike. It was wonderful to see families, friends, and colleagues gather in tribute to such a great man. He dedicated his life to telling the truth.
In his will, Al-Sharif urged people not to forget Gaza or him:
“Do not forget Gaza … and do not forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance.”
This emotional plea has echoed powerfully with those who have fought ever since to bring peace and justice to the region.
Personal Reflections and Legacy
Al-Sharif also faced extreme challenges, loss, and trauma on her road to journalism. He was deeply concerned about the struggles of all people living under occupation. As he put it to us, “I slept in 30 to 40 different places.” This powerful statement illustrates the precarity that has plagued his life and the life of countless other Palestinians.
His resolve was further strengthened by the death of his father in an Israeli airstrike on Jabalya. He was devoted to writing about the brutal truths experienced by his people. The emotional weight of his father’s death was clear when he remarked, “The person who was happiest was my late father.” This statement captures the emotional toll that comes with a life dedicated to reporting from war-torn areas.
