IAWRT Solidarity Statement

August 11, 2025

In deep sorrow, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) condemns the killing of Al Jazeera’s four journalists in Gaza – Anas Al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh both are correspondents together with their cameramen, Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal. They were all killed together with Mohammed al-Khalidi and Moamen Aliwa, freelance journalist and cameraman, on August 10, 2025, in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a tent for journalists outside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

Israels attacks on journalists in Palestine are also an attack on press freedom.

This is not the first time Al Jazeera – widely recognized for its openness and commitment to truth-telling – has faced brutal attacks against its journalists.

In 2022, correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh was shot dead by an Israeli soldier while reporting in the West Bank. In 2023, video journalist Samer Abu Daqqa was killed in an airstrike. In 2024, journalist Ismail al-Ghoul and his cameraman Rami al-Rifi were both killed in an Israeli air attack. And most recently, on March 24, 2025, Hossam Shabat was also killed in northern Gaza during an airstrike.

Anas Al-Sharif, known to many for his courageous reporting on the atrocities, poverty, and bombings in Gaza, has reportedly been accused by Israel of being a member of Hamas’ military wing. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has raised concerns about the credibility of such claims. CPJ’s Regional Director Sara Qudah said in their statement – “Israel’s pattern of labeling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom.” According to CPJ, 186 journalists have been killed since the start of Israel-Gaza war in October 3, 2023.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed. We also express our solidarity with the Palestinian people in their ongoing suffering under Israeli occupation.

We hope that justice will be served for these atrocities, and that the voices of brave journalists in Gaza will continue to be heard. We urge the international community to listen to the stories of everyday life in Palestine and to act—not just with sympathy, but with meaningful support and accountability.

Those journalists who gave their lives will always be remembered. Their dedication to truth and justice will live on in the courage of journalists who follow their footsteps.

#StopKillingJournalists
#DefendPressFreedom

Updated: August 12, 2025