Gideon Levy: One cannot trust the narratives of those who kill journalists en masse and in cold blood

SadaNews - Prominent Israeli writer Gideon Levy revealed that most of the Israeli press ignored the news of the assassination of Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al-Sharif, emphasizing that with his courage and independence, he could have taught many Israeli reporters the basics of journalism.

Levy added in his article in the Hebrew edition of Haaretz that in the absence of any evidence, Israel assassinated Al-Sharif in a direct strike on the press tent adjacent to Al-Shifa Hospital, where he was killed along with four members of the Al Jazeera coverage team.

He continued that Israel justified the assassination by claiming that Al-Sharif was the "head of a cell" in Hamas without providing a single piece of evidence, clarifying that, as happened in the case of Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, the Israeli narrative found people willing to believe it.

He sarcastically questioned, "Even if some believe these allegations, what about the other journalists who were killed with him: were they vice heads of the cell?".

Levy stressed that an army that kills journalists en masse and in cold blood, and a state that prevents free coverage of war, cannot have trustworthy narratives.

He explained that in this war, Israel has killed the largest number of journalists in the history of conflicts, 186 according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, and 263 according to the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem, and he did not rule out that it might one day turn its weapons against Israeli journalists themselves.

It is noteworthy that the Gaza government's media office reported that the number of martyr journalists in Gaza has risen to 238, following the martyrdom of five journalists from Al Jazeera: correspondents Anas Al-Sharif and Mohamed Qareqea, photographers Ibrahim Dhaher and Moamen Aliwa, and their assistant Mohamed Nofal.

Levy added that the Israeli press has divided between those who ignored the news and those who echoed the military's narrative without scrutiny, abandoning professional solidarity and the duty to seek the truth.

Gideon Levy confirmed that Al-Sharif, the bravest and most independent of many Israeli reporters, could have taught Israeli journalists lessons in the basics of journalism.

Martyr colleague Anas Al-Sharif had said in his will, published after his martyrdom: "If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice," and he continued: "God knows that I have exerted all my effort and strength to be a support and voice for my people," confirming that he never hesitated to convey the truth "without distortion or manipulation" despite experiencing pain and loss repeatedly.

The assassination of Al-Sharif came after a widespread Israeli incitement campaign against him, as the occupation army admitted to targeting him. Al-Sharif was one of the few journalists who remained in northern Gaza to report on the chapters of aggression and the war of starvation.

In his will, Al-Sharif recommended Palestine, describing it as "the crown jewel of Muslims" and the heartbeat of every free person, calling for loyalty to its people and children who were not granted enough time to dream or live in peace after their bodies were torn apart by Israeli bombs and missiles.

Al-Sharif specifically addressed his family in his recommendations, mentioning his daughter Sham, whom he dreamed of seeing grow up, his son Salah, whom he wished to be a support for, his mother, whose prayers were his fortress and guiding light, and his wife, who faced the war with the steadfastness and patience of the olive tree.