August 13, 2025

The Gaza skies turned deadly on Monday with the worst bombardments in weeks hitting the eastern parts of Gaza City. This came just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised a quick, strong push against Hamas. One tragic blast hit a tent near Al Shifa Hospital, killing six journalists. Among them was Anas Al Sharif, a well-known Al Jazeera reporter. This was the deadliest attack on journalists in this 22-month conflict. Israel’s military said they targeted Al Sharif because they believe he led a Hamas militant group and took part in firing rockets toward Israel. But Al Jazeera, supported by Qatar, strongly denied these claims. Before he died, Al Sharif also rejected Israel's accusations. Al Sharif, only 28, died alongside three other journalists, an assistant, and another local freelance reporter named Mohammad Al-Khaldi. Hospital officials confirmed that two other people also lost their lives in the airstrike. The Israeli army stated, "He was responsible for launching rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and troops" and showed they had secret documents as proof, but they haven’t shared those details publicly. Meanwhile, Hamas blamed this killing on Israel’s upcoming bigger attack. The group that governs Gaza said that 238 journalists have died during nearly two years of war. The international organization, Committee to Protect Journalists, says at least 186 journalists were killed. Residents saw Israeli tanks and planes heavily strike Sabra, Zeitoun, and Shejaia, eastern suburbs of Gaza City. Many families had to run for safety toward western areas. Some people called Monday night one of the worst they have faced in weeks, fearing a deeper Israeli offensive. Hamas says about one million people now shelter in Gaza City after many were forced to flee the north. The Israeli military told reporters that its forces fired artillery at Hamas fighters nearby. For now, there were no signs of troops moving further into Gaza City, and the new attack isn’t expected to start immediately. Amr Salah, 25, described the scene: "It sounded like the war was restarting. Tanks fired shells at houses, many houses were hit, and planes dropped missiles that made fire rings on roads in eastern Gaza." On Sunday, Israeli forces destroyed a rocket-launching site east of Gaza City used by Hamas to target Israel. Netanyahu said he ordered the army to speed up its plans and hinted that central Gaza might be the next target, as Hamas militants are pushed there. The tension is soaring, and the Gaza conflict is entering a dangerous new phase with journalists caught in the deadly crossfire.

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Tags: Gaza, Journalists killed, Israeli airstrike, Hamas, Anas al sharif, Netanyahu,