“If this reaches you… Israel has succeeded in killing me” – the last words of a journalist killed in Gaza

AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS

Anas al-Sharif, an Al Jazeera reporter, was killed in an Israeli airstrike last night. This is a message he prepared for his family, and his appeal to the world not to forget Gaza..

This statement was published posthumously on Anas’s X account, following the attack on a press tent near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Seven people were killed in total, including Al-Sharif, Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Kreikehu, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Nufal and Moamen Aliwa, according to Al Jazeera.

Written by: Anas al-Sharif

This is my will and my last message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.

First, peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah. Allah knows that I gave my best and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my people, since I opened my eyes to life in the streets and alleys of the Jabalija refugee camp. I hoped that Allah would prolong my life so that I could return with my family and loved ones to our original occupied city of Askalan (al-Majdal). But Allah's will is first, and His decision is final.

I lived through the pain in all its details, tasted the suffering and losses many times, but I never hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or falsification - that Allah testifies against those who kept silent, those who accepted our murder, who suffocated our breath, and whose hearts were not touched by the scattered remains of our children and women, and did nothing to stop the carnage that our people suffered for more than a year and a half.

I entrust you with Palestine – the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world, the heartbeat of every free man in this world. I entrust to you her people, her innocent and wronged children who never had time to dream or live in security and peace. Their clean bodies were trampled by thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and rockets, torn apart and scattered on the walls. Please don't let chains silence you, or borders hold you back. Be the bridges to the liberation of the country and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom shines over our stolen homeland.

I entrust you to take care of my family. I entrust you with my beloved daughter Sham, the light of my eyes, whom I did not have the opportunity to watch grow up as I dreamed. I entrust you with my dear son Salah, whom I wanted to support and follow through life until he is strong enough to carry my burden and continue the mission. I entrust you with my beloved mother, whose blessed prayers have brought me to where I am now, whose prayers have been my fortress and whose light has guided my path. I ask Allah to give her strength and reward her in my name with the best reward.

I also entrust you with my lifelong companion, my beloved wife Um Salah (Bajan), from whom the war separated me for many long days and months. Nevertheless, she remained faithful to our relationship, as strong as an olive tree that does not bend - patient, trusting in Allah, and carried the responsibility in my absence with her strength and faith. Please be with them, be their support after Allah Almighty.

If I die, I die firmly on my principles. I testify before Allah that I am satisfied with His decision, sure of meeting Him, and convinced that what is with Allah is better and eternal. To Allah, accept me among the martyrs, forgive my past and future sins, and let my blood be a light that illuminates the path of freedom for my people and my family. Forgive me if I have failed, and pray for me with mercy, because I have kept my promise and have not changed or betrayed it.

Don't forget Gaza. And don't forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance.