Since the first day of the genocide in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian journalists have been at the forefront of the Israeli war machine’s target list—a calculated attempt to silence the voice, kill the image, and prevent the story from reaching the world.
In this context, Al Jazeera emerged as one of the most important platforms whose broadcast never faltered; its correspondents’ voices never left the air. Yet, in return, it bore the brunt of the systematic targeting of its offices and field teams, leading to the martyrdom of reporters and cameramen, severe injuries, and the targeting of families whose stories have now become part of the memory of this tragedy.
Recently, in the north of the Strip, there was the brutal assassination of an Al Jazeera press team: six journalists, including correspondents Anas Al‑Sharif and Mohammad Qureiqa, were martyred in another episode in the targeting of sound and image. Despite this, coverage never halted; the camera remained witness, the microphone present, and images flowed from the heart of Gaza to screens around the globe.
In an exclusive interview with Noon Post, we spoke with Tamer Al‑Mashhal a central figure in managing this coverage at Al Jazeera about the profession and the human dimension: How did Al Jazeera confront threats and pressure? How did it balance safety with ethical and professional responsibility? And how were stories of starvation and targeting transformed into a counter‑narrative that broke through attempts at silencing and redefined journalism’s role in wartime?
On Al Jazeera’s pivotal role amid ongoing genocide:
“Al Jazeera has indeed faced enormous challenges in sustaining coverage,” he says, noting the heavy price paid in the targeting of Palestinian journalists and media staff in Gaza. Their office was bombed, field teams were targeted—resulting in nearly ten martyrdoms among Al Jazeera’s crew on Gaza’s ground, along with numerous injuries.
Families of colleagues were affected too; the tragedy of Wail Al‑Dahdouh’s family stands as a powerful example. Despite this steep cost, Al Jazeera’s coverage persisted because colleagues in the field—sons of Gaza, children of the land and the nation—insisted on staying and fulfilling the mission. It was indispensable that Al Jazeera remain loyal to them, committed to its responsibility in the face of their resolve.
Al Jazeera strove to support colleagues in the field by providing essential resources, amplifying their voices, rallying international solidarity, and pushing for legal accountability against those responsible for the crimes targeting journalists.
He underscores: “Today, everyone in Gaza is within the targeting circle without exception and Al Jazeera journalists are no exception. We speak of nearly 240 Palestinian journalists who have been martyred during this ongoing genocide.”
On continuing coverage amid blockade and operational isolation:
With the Gaza Strip closed and no new crews allowed in, Al Jazeera could not deploy external reinforcements. The decisions to continue coverage, determine locations, and manage forms of reporting were entrusted solely to journalists on the ground. “They are the ones to decide what is most appropriate, best under the conditions that ensure their safety,” he says. Their unwavering commitment earned the organization’s support and guidance, helping to ensure that the message remained present, powerful, and professional.
On the emergence of young journalists as symbols of professional courage:
This war redefined media work under extreme conditions. With the wounding of colleagues such as Wail Al‑Dahdouh, and many others forced out, Al Jazeera witnessed the emergence of numerous young correspondents who became milestones in coverage.
Anas Al‑Sharif, Ismail Al‑Ghoul, Mohammad Qureiqa, among others, offered coverage rich with vitality and forged deep bonds with viewers. Their loss elicited intense grief and their professionalism and credibility became trusted sources for international institutions and living testimony to the atrocities committed by occupying forces.
In cases such as famine, the images these journalists captured particularly by Anas Al‑Sharif and Mohammad Qureiqa brought the tragedy to international attention and triggered massive pressure. The campaign of targeting against Anas particularly was a direct attempt to silence the voice and deter journalists in Gaza.
Yet, the coverage did not cease; new colleagues continued the mission. This is a land we know, and we are its sons part of a journalistic family that will not tire until the truth is conveyed.
On personal targeting amid organized incitement:
Al Jazeera and Tamer Al‑Mashhal personally have faced continuous incitement and threats, intended to undermine professional coverage through smear campaigns and intimidation. For him, these threats mean nothing. What matters is the safety of colleagues in the field and perseverance in the mission. The targeting of journalists, he stresses, is a sign that the message is succeeding, that the professionalism of Palestinian journalists is succeeding, and that truth will prevail in the end.
On dealing with injuries, martyrdom, and evacuations:
Evacuating seriously injured colleagues depended on circumstances. Wail Al‑Dahdouh, who suffered grievous injuries and lost much of his family, managed to leave for medical treatment, as did correspondent Ismail Abu Omar. But journalist Ahmed Mattar, despite relentless efforts, was not granted permission to leave. For others like Fadi Al‑Wahidi and Ali Al‑Attar, a major campaign did manage to secure their evacuation for treatment. In all cases, decisions—on evacuation, movement, or internal displacement were left to the journalists themselves. Al Jazeera supports them, and remains loyal, whether they remain in Gaza or leave, with or without their families.
On famine coverage and its global impact:
Al Jazeera’s reporting on famine was critical in exposing an undeniable reality. The footage of Anas and Mohammad’s emotional, urgent documentation was broadcast globally and mobilized public opinion. The campaign to eliminate them was meant to kill that impact and silence truth. But coverage continued, and the immense public response and outcry over the assassination of these reporters demonstrated the triumph of journalism. The targeting, he adds, is a criminal hallmark of those wanting to kill the message.
On deeply human bonds with fallen colleagues:
Tamer reflects on his personal connection to Anas Al‑Sharif, Mohammad Qureiqa, Ismail Al‑Ghoul, and others not merely professional ties but kinship of the heart. Their passing was profound grief: “We cry from anguish and sorrow as friends and loved ones before colleagues. Their families are an obligation on us, and we remain true to that trust.” He recalls two moments that remain etched in his memory:
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When Wail Al‑Dahdouh, having just lost family in an attack, nonetheless reported the death of Tamer’s relative at the hospital an unimaginable act of compassion amid tragedy.
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When Ismail Al‑Ghoul, despite famine and hardship, sought out flour for Tamer’s family, refusing any reward except a prayer an embodiment of selflessness.
Anas also sent a tearful voice message announcing his father’s death these deeply human moments remain guiding beacons amidst devastation.
Closing message to journalists:
“You have made history in journalism that the world will remember, and generations will learn from a testament to professionalism, perseverance, determination in the face of a murderous occupation that kills journalists. This was the only place in the world closed to global journalists, yet its brave journalists stayed, performed with professionalism, humanity, patriotism, and determination.
They became pioneers symbols that redefined journalism: Ismail Al‑Ghoul, with his short yet impactful career; Anas Al‑Sharif in just 22 months; Mohammad Qureiqa in a few months each left a profound legacy. To all our colleagues: we stand with you. We will not betray the trust or the mission. Despite all the pain, we are certain that truth will prevail and this occupation, through its crimes and targeting of journalists, will inevitably be defeated by the truth, whether in the long or short term.”
