Journalist Killed in Gaza as International Pressure Mounts on Israel, Australia Considers Palestinian State Recognition
The international community is demanding protection for journalists following the death of Palestinian journalist anas al-Sharif in Gaza, with accusations leveled against Israel for failing to substantiate claims against him. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has voiced concerns over a recurring pattern of Israel designating journalists as militants without presenting verifiable evidence, questioning the motives behind such actions and their impact on press freedom.
“Israel’s practise of labeling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious concerns about its intentions and its respect for the freedom of the press,” stated Sara Qudah, CPJ’s director for the Middle East and North Africa.
Al-Sharif,who commanded a significant following of over 500,000 on X (formerly Twitter),reported intense Israeli bombardment of Gaza City just minutes before his death.
Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, suggested the killing could herald a wider Israeli offensive. In a statement, Hamas warned that the targeting of journalists and intimidation of those remaining in the region “paves the way for a major crime that the occupation is planning to commit in gaza City.”
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has announced plans for a new offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas strongholds within Gaza, a region already grappling with a worsening hunger crisis after 22 months of conflict. Al Jazeera lamented that al-Sharif and his colleagues represented some of the last voices conveying the realities of the situation in Gaza to the world.the Gaza government media office, controlled by Hamas, reports that 237 journalists have been killed as the conflict began on October 7th, 2023. The Committee to Protect Journalists independently confirms at least 186 journalist deaths in the Gaza conflict.
Simultaneously occurring, Australia is poised to formally recognize a Palestinian state, potentially as early as Monday, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to approve the move following a regular cabinet meeting. Albanese’s office has yet to comment on the report.
France and Canada recently announced their intentions to recognize a Palestinian state, and Britain has indicated it will follow suit unless israel addresses the escalating humanitarian crisis in Palestine and agrees to a ceasefire. Ireland officially recognized Palestine in May 2024.
Israel has strongly condemned thes decisions, arguing that recognizing a Palestinian state would effectively reward Hamas.
Netanyahu expressed his belief that the majority of Israeli citizens oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state, fearing it would incite further conflict rather than peace. His comments came amidst widespread protests in Tel Aviv, where thousands demonstrated against his plans to escalate the nearly two-year war and seize control of Gaza City.
“To see European countries and Australia fall into that trap… it’s disappointing and, frankly, shameful, but it won’t alter our position,” Netanyahu stated.
Albanese continues to advocate for a two-state solution, upholding his government’s support for both Israel’s right to secure borders and the Palestinian people’s right to their own state.
