Yesterday, Sunday, Israeli occupation aircraft assassinated journalist Anas al-Sharif, the Al Jazeera correspondent in the Gaza Strip, with a direct missile strike that hit him and four of his colleagues in Gaza. This came after more than 22 months of covering the ongoing war of extermination in the Strip.
Following the announcement of his martyrdom, his official account on the X platform published his will, written last April. In it, he bid farewell to the world with a poignant message, urging people not to forget Gaza and Palestine and to continue resisting the occupation until liberation.
In his final words, Al-Sharif recalled his childhood in the alleys of Jabalia camp and his dream of returning to occupied Ashkelon. He recounted the details of his pain and loss, emphasizing that he never stopped telling the truth as it is, "without distortion or falsification." He entrusted his entire family, particularly his wife, his two children, Sham and Salah, and his mother, whose prayers he described as his fortress and the light of his path.
Al-Sharif concluded his will by saying: “If I die, I will die steadfast in my principles… Do not forget Gaza… and do not forget me in your prayers . ”
Anas Al-Sharif has passed away, but his words will remain, a witness to the crimes of the occupation, and a testament to all who believe in human dignity.
Text of the will
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"This is my last will and testament. If these words of mine reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, may God's peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you. God knows that I have exerted all my effort and strength to be a support and voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and neighborhoods of Jabalia refugee camp. My hope was that God would prolong my life so that I could return with my family and loved ones to our original hometown of occupied Ashkelon (al-Majdal), but God's will was greater, and His judgment is binding.
I lived the pain in all its details, and I tasted the pain and loss repeatedly, and despite that, I never hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without falsification or distortion. May God be a witness against those who remained silent and those who accepted our killing, and those who held our breath and whose hearts were not moved by the remains of our children and women, and who did not stop the massacre that our people have been subjected to for more than a year and a half.
I commend to you Palestine, the jewel in the crown of Muslims and the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I commend to you its people and its young, oppressed children, who did not have the time to dream and live in safety and peace. Their pure bodies were crushed by thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and missiles, torn to pieces, and their remains scattered on the walls.
I advise you not to be silenced by restrictions, nor to be paralyzed by borders, and to be bridges towards the liberation of the country and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our usurped country. I advise you to take care of my family, I advise you to the apple of my eye, my beloved daughter Sham, whom I did not have the time to see grow up as I dreamed. I advise you to take care of my dear son Salah, whom I wished to be a support and a companion until he grows strong, so he can bear my burdens and complete the mission. I advise you to take care of my beloved mother, through whose prayers I have reached this point, whose prayers were my fortress and her light on my path. I ask God to strengthen her heart and reward her on my behalf with the best reward.
I also commend to you my lifelong companion, my beloved wife, Umm Salah Bayan. The war separated us for many days and months, but she remained faithful, steadfast like an unbending olive trunk, patient and content. She carried the trust in my absence with all strength and faith. I commend you to rally around them and support them, after God Almighty.
If I die, I die steadfast in my principles, and I call God to witness that I am satisfied with His judgment, believing in meeting Him, and certain that what is with God is better and more lasting. O God, accept me among the martyrs, and forgive me for my past and future sins, and make my blood a light that illuminates the path of freedom for my people and my family. Forgive me if I have fallen short, and pray for mercy for me, for I have kept my promise, and I have not changed or altered. Do not forget Gaza...and do not forget me in your good prayers for forgiveness and acceptance. Anas Jamal Al-Sharif 06.04.2025
