Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has claimed that Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif, killed in an Israeli airstrike outside Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, was a senior Hamas operative.
Speaking to NDTV, Azar alleged that Hamas routinely disguises its members as journalists, medical workers, and aid staff to “deceive the international community.”
“This is another example of the deceit that is coming from Hamas. We have targeted a terrorist whose name is Anas al-Sharif, who was a listed member of the Hamas military wing and a commander of a cell in Jabalia. And this guy, who was also an Al Jazeera journalist, was military trained by the military wing of Hamas,” Azar said.
The envoy further asserted that no journalist in Gaza can operate freely without being affiliated with or loyal to Hamas.
He added that the strike was based on intelligence proving Al-Sharif’s militant role. “We didn’t just target somebody for paying allegiance to Hamas. We targeted Anas al-Sharif because he was a military operative… We have captured the intelligence materials from the intelligence arm of Hamas that was sitting under a UN installation,” he stated.
Al-Sharif was among seven people killed in the strike, which also claimed the lives of fellow Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal. Moments before the attack, the 28-year-old journalist had been reporting on intense Israeli bombardments in Gaza City.
Following the incident, the Israeli military confirmed targeting Al-Sharif, labelling him “the head of a Hamas terrorist cell” who had advanced rocket attacks on civilians and Israeli forces. The Israel Defense Forces claimed to possess rosters, training records, and salary documents linking him to Hamas operations.
Al Jazeera later shared what it described as Al-Sharif’s final message, written before his death. In the note, he said: “This is my last will and testament, my final message. If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice… God knows that I have exerted all my effort and strength to be a support and voice for my people… Be bridges toward the liberation of the country and its people… Do not forget Gaza. And do not forget me in your righteous prayers.”
He also asked that his family — particularly his young daughter, son, wife, and mother — be cared for after his passing.