Gantz Defends IDF Killing of Al Jazeera Journalist, Labels Him Hamas Terrorist

Former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has issued a forceful defense of the IDF’s killing of Anas al-Sharif, a prominent Palestinian journalist for Al Jazeera, whom the military has long asserted was a Hamas terrorist.

In an English-language tweet, Gantz, who also served as an ex-IDF chief of staff, declared, “Real journalists uphold strict ethical and professional standards — and are worthy of protection.” He sharply distinguished this from “Hamas terrorists and their accomplices, including ‘journalists’ who on Oct. 7 invaded Israel and gleefully filmed the slaughter — should be determinedly hunted and eliminated.”

The IDF previously confirmed carrying out the strike that killed Sharif, stating he was a “terrorist operating under the guise of a journalist.” The military cited documents seized in Gaza in October, which it claimed “unequivocally” confirmed Sharif’s “military affiliation with Hamas,” identifying him as a rocket-launching squad head and an elite Nukhba Force member in Hamas’s East Jabalia Battalion.

The killing has drawn international scrutiny, with a press freedom group and a UN expert previously raising concerns. UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan claimed last month that Israel’s allegations against Sharif were unsubstantiated, warning his life was in danger due to his reporting from Gaza.

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