Six Journalists Killed in Gaza Airstrike, UN Calls for Independent Investigation

The UN’s human rights office has strongly condemned an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed six journalists, including five from Al Jazeera, calling the attack a “grave breach” of international humanitarian law.

Among the victims was prominent Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, who Israel claims was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell an allegation disputed by media rights groups and lacking publicly shared evidence.

The Israeli military stated it targeted Sharif based on documents found in Gaza, but independent verification remains unavailable.

The funerals for Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa took place on Monday. Mohammad al-Khaldi, a freelance journalist, was also killed in the strike.

International condemnation has come from media organizations and countries like Qatar, with the UK government calling for an independent investigation and urging Israel to protect journalists.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) highlighted that at least 186 journalists have been killed since Israel’s offensive began in October 2023, marking the deadliest period for journalists on record.

The UN also called for safe, unhindered access for journalists to Gaza amid worsening humanitarian conditions.

The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 220 deaths from malnutrition in Gaza, including more than 100 children, as aid continues to fall short.

Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, over 61,000 people have died in Gaza, underscoring the severe toll of the ongoing military campaign.