UN Expert Condemns Israeli Army's Targeting of Journalist Anas Al-Sharif in Gaza

A leading United Nations expert has strongly condemned ongoing threats, unfounded accusations, and deliberate targeting by the Israeli army against Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif, emphasizing the critical risk to his life and the broader attempt to silence essential reporting from Gaza.

Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, issued a stern warning today, highlighting the grave dangers posed by the Israeli military's repeated and baseless accusations labeling Al-Sharif as affiliated with Hamas. Khan stressed the journalist’s vulnerability, pointing out that Al-Sharif remains the last surviving correspondent of Al Jazeera in northern Gaza following deadly attacks on media personnel.

"I am deeply alarmed by the escalating threats and unfounded accusations leveled by the Israeli army against Anas Al-Sharif," Khan stated, underscoring the legitimate fears surrounding Al-Sharif’s safety. The Special Rapporteur highlighted troubling patterns of violence, noting, "There is mounting evidence that journalists in Gaza have been deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli forces, justified through baseless claims alleging links to Hamas."

Khan emphasized her profound concern over the Israeli army's deliberate use of misinformation to brand Palestinian journalists as terrorists, despite the absence of credible evidence. She further criticized the Israeli government for its double standard in media access, noting, "On the one hand, Israel categorically denies entry to international journalists attempting to report from Gaza, while on the other, it ruthlessly targets and eliminates local journalists, the sole source of firsthand reporting for the international community."

Khan also highlighted broader, systematic violations of press freedom by Israeli forces, pointing to a persistent campaign that includes killings, arbitrary detentions, intimidation, harassment, and the intentional destruction of press offices and media equipment throughout Gaza and the West Bank. "These actions constitute a calculated effort to suppress truthful reporting, obstruct evidence-gathering of international crimes, and ultimately prevent future accountability," Khan asserted.

Addressing the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Khan emphasized the essential role journalists like Al-Sharif play. She stated, "As Gaza faces catastrophic famine and civilians, including women and children, are killed for merely seeking humanitarian aid, courageous journalists reporting these atrocities become indispensable. Their reports hold the power to awaken global conscience and demand international accountability."

Khan urged immediate international intervention, calling upon governments worldwide, particularly those that publicly champion media freedom and journalistic safety, to break their silence. "I implore these governments to use their diplomatic influence urgently to compel Israel to cease its attacks on Anas Al-Sharif and other Palestinian journalists who courageously continue their duty of revealing the truth," Khan said.

The Special Rapporteur confirmed that her office has initiated direct dialogue with Israeli authorities regarding Al-Sharif’s safety, pressing them to ensure immediate protective measures for journalists operating in conflict zones.