Tributes, condemnation pour in for slain Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza

An outpouring of grief and condemnation has adopted the Israeli assassination of 5 Al Jazeera workers in Gaza, together with outstanding correspondent Anas al-Sharif.

The drone assault late on Sunday hit a tent for journalists positioned exterior the primary gate of Gaza Metropolis’s al-Shifa Hospital, killing seven folks. Among the many useless have been Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and digicam operators Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa and Mohammed Noufal.

Simply hours earlier, al-Sharif, 28, had posted on X about Israel’s “intense, concentrated bombardment” on jap and southern Gaza Metropolis. Identified for his fearless reporting from northern Gaza, he had turn out to be one of the vital recognisable voices documenting the continuing Israeli genocide within the enclave.

Al Jazeera Media Community has condemned what it referred to as a “focused assassination” of its journalists.

Under are a couple of of the responses to the killing of Al Jazeera workers:

Palestine

The Palestinian mission to the United Nations accused Israel of “intentionally assassinating” al-Sharif and Qreiqeh, describing them as among the many “final remaining journalists” in Gaza.

“They’ve systematically and dutifully uncovered and documented Israel’s genocide and hunger,” the mission stated on X. “As Israel continues to ethnically cleanse Gaza, its enemy stays the reality: the courageous journalists exposing its heinous crimes.”

Iran

Iranian Overseas Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has referred to as on the world to carry Israel to account after the killing of the 5 Al Jazeera workers.

“A press badge isn’t any defend towards genocidal struggle criminals who worry the world witnessing their atrocities,” stated Baghaei, accusing Israel of assassinating the journalists “in chilly blood”.

“Sturdy condemnation is the naked minimal for any first rate human being, however the world should act instantly to cease this harrowing genocide and maintain the criminals accountable,” he added.

“Indifference and inaction are complicity in Israel’s crimes.”

United Nations

UN Secretary-Basic Antonio Guterres’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, provided condolences to “the Al Jazeera household” and referred to as for an investigation.

“We’ve got all the time been very clear in condemning all killings of journalists,” Dujarric stated. “In Gaza, and in every single place, media staff ought to be capable of perform their work freely and with out harassment, intimidation or worry of being focused.”

Al Jazeera Media Community

Al Jazeera Media Community has condemned “within the strongest phrases” the killing of its journalists in a focused assassination by Israeli forces.

In a press release, the community stated the Israeli army “admitted to their crimes” and intentionally directed the assault on the journalists’ location. It referred to as the assassination “one other blatant and premeditated assault on press freedom”.

The strike got here amid what Al Jazeera described because the “catastrophic penalties” of Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, together with mass civilian deaths, compelled hunger, and the destruction of complete communities.

The community referred to as the killing of al-Sharif, one in all Gaza’s most outstanding reporters, and his colleagues “a determined try to silence the voices exposing the approaching seizure and occupation of Gaza”.

Committee to Shield Journalists

The Committee to Shield Journalists (CPJ) says it’s “appalled” by Israel’s killing of Al Jazeera journalists.

“Israel’s sample of labeling journalists as militants with out offering credible proof raises severe questions on its intent and respect for press freedom,” stated the CPJ’s regional director, Sara Qudah.

“These chargeable for these killings should be held accountable,” Qudah added.

Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the CPJ, recalled how Israel accused al-Sharif and others of being “terrorists” final October with out proof.

“We warned again then that this felt to us like a precursor to justify assassination,” she advised Al Jazeera. “That is a part of a sample … going again a long time, through which it kills journalists.”

Amnesty Worldwide

Amnesty Worldwide condemned the strike as a struggle crime underneath worldwide regulation and remembered al-Sharif as a “courageous and extraordinary” reporter.

In 2024, al-Sharif was awarded Amnesty Worldwide Australia’s Human Rights Defender Award for his resilience and dedication to press freedom.

“We at Amnesty Worldwide are devastated and heartbroken,” stated Mohamed Duar, Amnesty Worldwide Australia’s spokesperson on the occupied Palestinian territory. “Anas devoted his life to standing earlier than the digicam, exposing Israel’s atrocities towards Palestinians, and documenting the reality so the world might bear witness.

“The brave and courageous journalists who’ve been reporting for the reason that genocide started have been working in probably the most harmful circumstances on Earth. At nice danger to their lives, they’ve remained to indicate the world the struggle crimes being dedicated by Israel towards nearly two million Palestinian ladies, males and youngsters,” he added.

Nationwide Press Membership

Mike Balsamo, president of the US-based Nationwide Press Membership, stated the killing of journalists is “a loss felt far past one newsroom” and urged a “thorough and clear” investigation.

“Journalists should be capable of work with out being focused or killed,” Balsamo stated. “All events in battle zones should honour their obligations underneath worldwide regulation to guard reporters and guarantee they will perform their work safely.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned Israel’s killing of 5 Al Jazeera journalists and referred to as on US and worldwide media staff to “stand in solidarity” with their Palestinian colleagues.

“Israel’s ongoing marketing campaign of focused assassinations of Palestinian journalists is a struggle crime, plain and easy,” CAIR Nationwide Government Director Nihad Awad stated in a press release.

“The homicide of those Al Jazeera journalists will not be an accident or collateral harm – it’s a part of a constant, documented coverage of silencing media voices and hiding the reality of the genocide being carried out by Israel in Gaza,” Awad stated.

Since October 2023, Israel has killed 269 journalists in Gaza, within the deadliest battle ever recorded for reporters.