According to the Israeli military, an airstrike in Gaza City killed Anas al-Sharif, a Hamas cell leader, who was posing as an Al Jazeera journalist. Al Jazeera and Palestinian officials confirmed that Sharif, along with several other journalists, were killed in the strike near Shifa Hospital. The Israeli military stated that Sharif was responsible for rocket attacks against Israeli targets. Al Jazeera condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to silence voices in Gaza, and Hamas suggested the killings could be a precursor to a larger offensive.
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In an Israeli airstrike on a media tent near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, at least four Al Jazeera journalists and media staff were killed, including prominent reporters Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qraiqea. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the intentional targeting of Al-Sharif, alleging he was a terrorist using his journalist role as cover. Al-Sharif had been reporting extensively on the war in Gaza, while Qraiqea was also contributing to the network’s coverage. This incident occurs amidst a devastating period for journalists, with the Committee to Protect Journalists reporting at least 186 media workers killed during the Israel-Hamas war.
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The ABC has requested Israel to allow international journalists independent access to Gaza, citing the importance of on-the-ground reporting. Since the October 7th attack, access has been blocked, preventing independent reporting, despite the ABC’s prior presence. This comes as numerous news organizations express deep concern for journalists in Gaza, facing starvation and dire living conditions while trying to report on the conflict. Several news outlets, including the BBC and AFP, have also issued urgent calls for Israel to permit journalists’ safe passage out of Gaza and facilitate the entry of international reporters.
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BBC News, along with AFP, AP, and Reuters, have issued a joint statement expressing grave concern for journalists in Gaza, who are facing starvation alongside the population they report on. These independent journalists have been the primary source of information from the conflict zone. The statement urges the Israeli authorities to allow journalists access in and out of Gaza and to ensure sufficient food supplies reach the people there, highlighting the critical need for aid in the face of mass starvation. The groups also point to Israel’s control over aid entry and the ongoing blockade as contributing factors to the dire situation, with the WHO reporting a quarter of Gaza’s population facing famine-like conditions.
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In El Salvador, a growing exodus of journalists, activists, and human rights advocates is taking place due to the increasingly authoritarian government of President Nayib Bukele. This exodus is spurred by targeted harassment, threats, and the implementation of laws designed to silence dissent and criminalize criticism. The situation has worsened with the U.S. government’s collaboration with Bukele, who is seen as part of a global network of right-wing leaders employing similar tactics to consolidate power and suppress opposition, especially anyone critical of his administration. Facing no recourse in a system that has no guarantees of justice, these individuals are fleeing the country, hoping to continue their work from abroad while also advocating for the freedom of those who remain imprisoned.
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Amidst mounting controversy surrounding the dismissal of the Epstein case by Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino took a day off work. Reports from Laura Loomer and later confirmed by Axios, suggest Bongino’s displeasure with Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files and a perceived lack of transparency. The disagreement stems from a DOJ memo denying the existence of an Epstein “client list” and reaffirming his suicide, contradicting long-held conspiracy theories within the MAGA base. This has led to speculation regarding Bongino’s future with the FBI, with some sources suggesting he may resign due to these issues.
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A news reporter in Los Angeles was struck by a rubber bullet during a news report. The incident is under investigation. The reporter’s condition is currently unknown. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting are unavailable at this time. Authorities are working to gather information.
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John Q. Hosedrinker