I’m leaving these words behind, coming to you from Anas al-Sharif’s account. This came out after an attack struck journalists near al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, snuffing out seven lives, including mine and the lives of Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Qreiqeh and our camera guys Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa.
Here’s my final message. If you’re reading this, it means Israel’s managed to silence me permanently.
First off, peace and blessings. Believe me, I gave everything to stand by my people since growing up in the Jabaliya refugee camp. My dream? To return with family to our home in occupied Asqalan. But it seems Allah had other plans.
I’ve felt pain and loss more times than I can count, yet never hesitated to tell the truth. Let this stand as testimony against those who did nothing while we suffered, whose hearts stayed cold amid this long-running horror we’ve lived every day.
I leave you with Palestine—the soul of the Muslim world. Its people, silenced children, and crushed dreams. Their lives stolen by bombs. Don’t let borders or chains hold you back. Be bridges leading to freedom and dignity for our home.
Take care of my family; I leave them in your hands. Look after my daughter, Sham, my son, Salah, and my mother who has always prayed for me. I missed watching my kids grow, and my mother’s prayers kept me going.
Stay by the side of my wife, Umm Salah. Though war kept us apart, she was a rock, unyielding like an olive tree, carrying on in my stead.
If death takes me, know it’s with my head held high. I testify my faith and embrace the hereafter, trusting it’s better than this world. God, let me be a light for my people and forgive my faults. Remember Gaza, and keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
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