Israel has succeeded: Haunting final message of Gaza journalist killed in strike

Anas al-Sharif, who was among five Al Jazeera journalists killed in an Israeli strike on a Gaza City on Sunday, left behind an emotional will urging the world not to abandon besieged Gaza and the Palestinian people.

"This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice..." Anas al-Sharif's message, shared on X after his death, said.

In his final appeal, he urged solidarity with Palestine’s “wronged and innocent children” and called on people worldwide to “be bridges toward the liberation of the land and its people.” He ended with: “Do not forget Gaza And do not forget me in your sincere prayers.”

“I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of the Jabalia refugee camp."

"I entrust you with Palestine—the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world, the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you with its people, with its wronged and innocent children who never had the time to dream or live in safety and peace. Their pure bodies were crushed under thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and missiles, torn apart and scattered across the walls," his message read further.

"I urge you not to let chains silence you, nor borders restrain you. Be bridges toward the liberation of the land and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our stolen homeland. I entrust you to take care of my family. I entrust you with my beloved daughter Sham, the light of my eyes, whom I never got the chance to watch grow up as I had dreamed," he added.

Expressing a longing to return with his family to his ancestral town of occupied Asqalan (Al-Majdal), he said, “Allah’s will came first, and His decree is final.” He called for the care of his wife, two children, and mother, adding, “If I die, I die steadfast upon my principles.”

The X posts end note said that Anas had requested this letter, written on April 6, to be published upon his martyrdom.

Al-Sharif was among five journalists — alongside Mohamed Qraiqea, Ibrahim Dahir, Moumin Alaywa and Mohammed Noufal — killed in Sunday’s strike. According to the Gaza Media Office, at least 237 journalists have been killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign on October 7, 2023.

- Ends