Gaza correspondent Anas al-Sharif celebrated the ceasefire announcement live [Al Jazeera]
Palestinian journalist Anas al-Sharif removed his protective press gear following the ceasefire announcement in Gaza, in a display of collective relief at the end of 15 months of relentless bombing that has seen scores of media workers killed.
In footage shared widely on social media, al-Sharif slowly removed his press helmet and protective vest, in a symbol of the toll the conflict had taken on both journalists and civilians.
As he did so, the crowd around him erupted in celebratory chants, picking him up and throwing him in the air.
“Now, I can finally take off this helmet that has exhausted me throughout this period,” the Al Jazeera correspondent said, standing in Gaza City.
“This vest, which became a part of my body over this long time, always accompanied me. Now, we announce here, from this place, in the middle of Gaza City, this ceasefire announcement for the people who have been subjected to a war of genocide, enduring bombings and forcible displacement.”
الحمد لله الذي أكرم أهل غزة بهذا اليوم العظيم. pic.twitter.com/AMjW1vmSbB
— أنس الشريف Anas Al-Sharif (@AnasAlSharif0) January 15, 2025
Fellow North Gaza journalist Hossam Shbat was also lifted on the shoulders of a joyful crowd as he reported on the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza praised the ceasefire announcement but urged international solidarity and continued attention on Gaza.
Taking to social media X, he said: “This ceasefire gives us a small bit of hope. But we have lost and continue to lose so many people until a ceasefire is implemented. Please, do not stop speaking about Gaza and Palestine!”
Since the war began 15 months ago, at least 160 journalists have been killed in Gaza, many of them caught in airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure and press offices.
Despite the risks, journalists like al-Sharif have continued to report from the ground, often under the constant threat of attack.
Under the Geneva Convention, journalists working in armed conflict zones are considered civilians and are afforded protection.
The ongoing attacks on media workers, however, have highlighted the breach of these protections, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights groups.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other organisations, such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have documented that at least 13 media workers were directly targeted by Israeli forces, even though they were marked as press.
On the day of al-Sharif’s symbolic moment, the violence did not cease. Just hours before the ceasefire, coming into effect on 19 January, was announced, Israeli strikes killed at least 70 people and hundreds more wounded.
Among the casualties was Palestinian journalist Ahmed Hisham, the nephew of Khaled Nabhan, who was killed by an Israeli bombing a year after his granddaughter, Reem, also lost her life in the violence.
Gaza’s local journalists have garnered international praise for their perseverance.
Thibaut Bruttin, RSF’s director general, commended their bravery.
“For 15 months, journalists in Gaza have been displaced, starved, slandered, threatened, injured, and killed by the Israeli army. Despite these dangers, they have continued to inform both their fellow citizens and the world,” he said.
RSF pointed out, that the role of journalists, both local and international, will be pivotal in documenting and reporting on the aftermath of the ceasefire, helping to ensure accountability in the face of potential war crimes.
The organisation also called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute those responsible for targeting journalists during the conflict, highlighting the need for international recognition and legal recourse.
