Israel admits assassinating Al Jazeera journalist in Gaza

A funeral ceremony held for Palestinian Hossam Shabat, a correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher channel who was killed after Israel’s attacks, on March 24, 2025 in Beit Hanoun, Gaza. [Ahmed Al-Arini – Anadolu Agency]

The Israeli occupation army today admitted assassinating Hossam Shabat, a journalist for Al Jazeera, in the Gaza Strip.

Military spokesman Avichay Adraee said Shabat was killed yesterday in a joint operation by the army and the Shin Bet domestic security agency.

He alleged that Shabat, a correspondent for Qatar-based Al Jazeera Mubasher channel, was a sniper in Hamas’ Beit Hanoun Battalion and participated in attacks against Israeli targets during the Gaza war, a claim vehemently denied by Palestinian journalists.

At least 208 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, according to the government media office.

The Israeli army launched a surprise aerial campaign on the Gaza Strip on 18 March, killing nearly 800 Palestinians, injuring over 1,600 others, and shattering a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that took hold in January.

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