CPJ: Targeting Journalists is a War Crime – Anas Al-Sharif Death

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the targeting of journalists as a war crime following the death of Al Jazeera journalist, Anas Al-Sharif.

Al-Sharif and four colleagues were killed in an Israeli strike, according to Al Jazeera. Jodie Ginsberg, director of CPJ, emphasized that journalists are civilians and should not be targeted in wartime.

The Israeli armed forces confirmed that they targeted Al-Sharif, calling him a "terrorist" who was "posing as a journalist." The CPJ had requested Al-Sharif's protection in July, denouncing Israel's practice of labeling journalists in this way without evidence.

According to journalists in Gaza, Al-Sharif previously worked in a Hamas communications office. Ginsberg stated that unless the Israeli military proves that Al-Sharif was an active fighter, there is no justification for his killing.