Crowd Gathers in Gaza for Funeral of Al Jazeera Workers Slain by Israel Forces
In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the death of Anas al-Sharif, a 28-year-old Al Jazeera correspondent, has sparked international concern and controversy.
Al-Sharif was killed on Sunday, and four of his colleagues from Al Jazeera were also reportedly killed in the same incident. Israel has confirmed that it targeted al-Sharif, labeling him a "terrorist" affiliated with Hamas. However, Al Jazeera strongly denies these allegations, condemning the killing as a deliberate attack on journalists and press freedom aimed at silencing Gaza coverage.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has called for the protection of al-Sharif, accusing Israel of a "pattern" of labeling journalists militants without providing credible evidence. This dispute has led to condemnation from various quarters, including protesters in Israel and numerous countries, including Israeli allies.
The planned expansion of the Israeli offensive has drawn further criticism. The Israeli security cabinet voted to expand the war in the Gaza Strip, targeting the remaining quarter of the territory not yet controlled by Israeli troops, including much of Gaza City and Al-Mawasi. UN Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council that if the plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza. The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have also condemned the planned expansion, warning it could trigger another crisis in Gaza.
UN agencies warned last month that famine is unfolding in the territory, with Israel severely restricting the entry of aid. In response, Germany, a major weapons supplier and staunch ally, has suspended shipments to Israel of any arms that could be used in Gaza.
The Israeli offensive has reportedly killed at least 61,430 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry, figures the United Nations says are reliable. Reporters Without Borders says nearly 200 journalists have been killed in the war so far.
Despite diplomatic reversals, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains defiant, stating "We will win the war, with or without the support of others." Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has stated that any military plans are "pretty much up to Israel."
In a significant development, Australia announced on Sunday it would join a growing list of Western nations in recognising a Palestinian state. This recognition comes amidst the ongoing conflict and the international outcry over the death of Al Jazeera's Anas al-Sharif.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-confirms-it-targeted-al-jazeera-journalist-in-gaza-2021-05-16/ [2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/16/israel-targeted-al-jazeera-journalist-in-gaza-al-jazeera-says
- The controversy surrounding the death of Anas al-Sharif, a journalist from Al Jazeera, in Gaza has sparked international concern, with the Committee to Protect Journalists accusing Israel of a pattern of labeling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence.
- The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have condemned the planned expansion of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, warning it could trigger another crisis in the territory, where famine is unfolding due to Israel's severe restrictions on aid.
- President Donald Trump has stated that any military plans in the Middle East are "pretty much up to Israel," while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains defiant, stating "We will win the war, with or without the support of others."
- In a significant political move, Australia announced it would join a growing list of Western nations in recognizing a Palestinian state, amidst the ongoing conflict and international outcry over the death of Al Jazeera's Anas al-Sharif.
- The Israeli offensive in Gaza has reportedly resulted in at least 61,430 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza's health ministry, and the death of nearly 200 journalists, as reported by Reporters Without Borders.
