Israel granted immunity for journalist killings by US forces
In the aftermath of the tragic killing of five Al Jazeera journalists in the Gaza Strip, questions about the circumstances surrounding the death of prominent journalist Anas Al-Sharif remain unanswered.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce has referred questions about Al-Sharif to Israel, but there is no clear, publicly available evidence to substantiate Israel's allegations that he was a member of Hamas or headed a Hamas cell. The Israeli military has accused him of being involved in Hamas's military activities, including advancing rocket attacks, but these claims have not been independently verified or supported with transparent proof in available reports.
The strike that took the lives of Al-Sharif and four other employees hit a tent set up for journalists outside the main gate of Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip. Al Jazeera reported that the additional journalists killed in the same strike were correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa.
Despite the outcry from European and Arab governments, the United Nations, and media rights groups over the killing of the Al Jazeera journalists, the United States has not provided any criticism or condemnation. The U.S. has not been reported to have accepted or confirmed Israel's allegations against Al-Sharif.
The Israeli military has not provided clear evidence to support their allegations that Al-Sharif was responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israelis and heading a Hamas "terrorist cell." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for clear evidence for Israel's allegations and respect for rules of war against targeting journalists.
According to local journalists, Al-Sharif had worked at the start of his career with a Hamas communication office, where his role was to publicize events organized by Hamas. However, the lack of substantiated evidence raises concerns about the legitimacy of the Israeli military's claims.
The killing of these journalists underscores the urgent need for accountability and respect for the safety of journalists covering conflict zones. As Bruce expressed respect for journalists who cover war zones, it is essential that all parties involved in conflicts prioritize the protection of journalists and adhere to international laws and standards.
- The world is waiting for clear, publicly available evidence that could substantiate Israel's allegations against Anas Al-Sharif, suggesting his involvement in Hamas or his leadership of a Hamas cell.
- General news outlets have reported the tragic deaths of Al Jazeera journalists, including Al-Sharif, in the Gaza Strip, but no significant steps seem to have been taken to ensure accountability or prioritize the safety of journalists covering war-and-conflicts zones, such as this one.
- Amidst the controversy surrounding the deaths of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, questions about the role of crime-and-justice systems and the implementation of international laws and standards in war-and-conflicts situations have been raised.
