12/08/2025
FOCAP STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF AL JAZEERA JOURNALISTS IN GAZA
The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines condemns the killing of Al Jazeera correspondents Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal, in an Israeli strike near Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Freelance reporter Mohammed Al-Khaldi and another person also died in the attack.
The Israeli military has openly admitted to targeting Al Sharif, 28, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who had rejected earlier Israeli allegations linking him to Hamas. Al Jazeera, which is affiliated with FOCAP, called the strike a "blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom."
These journalists were among the last remaining voices documenting the war from inside Gaza, where access for foreign media has been shut off since October 2023. Local Palestinian journalists have taken on the dangerous task of reporting the conflict’s realities, often under bombardment, displacement, hunger, and the constant threat to their lives. More than 200 journalists and media workers have been killed in what watchdogs call the deadliest conflict for journalists in recent history.
Representing foreign correspondents in the Philippines, we demand urgent international action to safeguard members of the press and hold accountable those who target us. Silencing reporters in war zones not only robs the world of the truth but emboldens those who seek to commit atrocities without scrutiny. We also reiterate our call to relevant authorities and the international community to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including unimpeded access to food, medical care, and safe shelter for civilians.
Finally, we urge colleagues worldwide to continue reporting on the crisis and to press authorities for answers and action. Journalists must be able to work without fear. Their safety is essential to transparency, accountability, and the public’s right to know.
Since its founding in 1974, during the dark days of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship, FOCAP has unwaveringly defended press freedom.
