The UN Human Rights Office has denounced an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed six journalists, describing it as a serious violation of international law and urging immediate, unhindered access for media in the region.

The targeted strike on Sunday killed five Al Jazeera journalists — including well-known correspondent Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa — as well as freelance journalist Mohammad al-Khaldi. Funerals drew large crowds in Gaza City on Monday.

Media watchdogs, Qatar, and the UK government condemned the attack. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman called for an independent investigation and stressed that journalists must be able to work without fear.

Reporters Without Borders labelled Sharif’s killing an assassination, while the Foreign Press Association accused the Israeli military of repeatedly branding Palestinian journalists as militants without credible proof. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) echoed this, citing a “documented pattern” of unsubstantiated accusations.

The Israeli military claims it found documents linking Sharif to Hamas, including rosters, training lists, and salary records, but has released only limited screenshots. No official explanation has been given for the deaths of the entire Al Jazeera crew.

According to CPJ, more than 200 journalists have been killed since Israel began its Gaza offensive in October 2023 — the deadliest period for journalists since CPJ began record-keeping in 1992.

International media access to Gaza remains restricted, forcing outlets to rely on local reporters for coverage.