The relentless echo of explosions was part of Anas Al-Sharif's reporting life—but on Sunday 11 August, that sound would mark his final story. The 28-year-old Al Jazeera journalist was killed when an air strike hit his tent near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where he had been filming.
The 28-year-old, known for reporting from some of the most dangerous parts of the territory, died during a fresh wave of Israeli attacks. His network later confirmed the news, calling him a steadfast reporter who kept working even after losing relatives to the war earlier this year.
Al-Sharif was in Nuseirat when the bombardment began. Witnesses said a sudden blast ripped through the area, sending dust and debris into the air. According to Al Jazeera, a missile struck exactly where he had been working, killing him instantly. Gaza's health ministry confirmed his death and reported several other people wounded in the same strike.
Israeli military acknowledged the strike, claimed target involved Hamas but no evidence was provided.
Conflict Escalates in Gaza's Deadliest Month
The strike took place late Sunday in what Gaza officials describe as one of the deadliest months of the conflict so far. Hundreds of people have been killed in recent weeks as Israeli forces push deeper into central and southern parts of the enclave.
The area near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City has been hit repeatedly since the war began in October 2024. Streets there are lined with damaged buildings, and families often live in overcrowded conditions with limited access to food, water and medicine.
It was a place Al-Sharif knew well he had broadcast from the camp many times before, often arriving within hours of an attack to capture the aftermath.
Who was Anas Al-Sharif
Born and raised in Gaza, Al-Sharif spent over a decade with Al Jazeera Arabic. He was widely respected for his calm, measured style even when reporting under fire. His work focused on the human toll of the war, often speaking directly with survivors moments after strikes.
Earlier this year, tragedy struck his own family when several relatives were killed in an air strike. Days later, he was back on air. In one of his reports, he said journalists in Gaza 'live with the same dangers as everyone else' but remain because 'the world must see what is happening'.
Why His Death Matters
Al-Sharif's death adds to the growing list of journalists killed since the conflict erupted last year. Media watchdogs and rights groups have urged independent investigations, warning that targeting reporters breaches international law.
Al Jazeera has accused Israel of a 'systematic campaign' against journalists in Gaza and has called for those responsible to be held accountable.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues, viewers and press freedom advocates. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the attack and called on all parties to safeguard media workers. On social media, clips of Al-Sharif's past broadcasts have been widely shared, many praising his bravery and dedication.
In a statement, Al Jazeera said: 'Anas's voice has been silenced, but his work will live on in the stories he told.'
