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Six journalists, including Al Jazeera reporters Anas al-Sharif and Mohamed Qraiqea, were killed when Israeli forces attacked a media tent near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, prompting condemnation from Turkish officials and international organizations.
Türkiye's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Chairman and Party Spokesperson Omer Celik responded to the attack through social media, stating that Israel directly targeted the tent where journalists working in Gaza as the voice of humanity were located.
"As a result of this vile attack, 6 journalists lost their lives. We pray for Allah's mercy for the journalists who were martyred while on duty to make humanity's voice heard. The murderers of the genocide network will definitely be held accountable before the law," Celik said.
Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus issued a condolence message for Palestinian journalist Anas al-Sharif, who was killed in the Israeli attack.
In his social media post, Kurtulmus recalled that al-Sharif received a "Courage Award" at the International Jerusalem Academic Symposium held at Mardin Artuklu University last year, which he attended, and that he presented the award to a close friend on behalf of al-Sharif.
"The voice, conscience and symbol of resistance of Gaza, brave journalist Anas al-Sharif heroically walked to martyrdom as a result of Israel's treacherous attack," Kurtulmus said, noting that al-Sharif's father was also killed by Israel.
Kurtulmus stated: "I remember Anas, the embodiment of sacrifice and courage, with mercy and offer my deepest condolences to his family, the people of Gaza and the entire press community. May his place be in paradise and his position be high. Anas al-Sharif, with his effort to fearlessly announce the truth to the world, became not only Gaza's but all humanity's conscience, taking place in the front lines of the humanity front."
"This treacherous attack against humanity will never be forgotten and our struggle will become even stronger. Human dignity will surely win one day," he added.
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) General Chairman Devlet Bahceli made a written statement saying "Netanyahu's appetite to swallow Gaza should be left in his throat."
Bahceli stated: "What a sad, indescribable pain it is that especially in Gaza, destruction, tragedy and humanitarian disaster are constantly escalating. Dead and killed babies, children, women, in short innocents; what is buried along with lifeless bodies is humanity and human heritage."
He emphasized that Palestinian brothers are in the line of fire of a barbaric blockade, saying Gaza is condemned to hunger, thirst, lack of medicine, and all kinds of ignoble pressure.
"Netanyahu's plan to occupy Gaza and then annex it one step later is a base ambition that should mobilize the world," Bahceli said. "Türkiye's reactions and objections against Israel are justified, dignified, legal, and certainly very accurate."
The United Nations Human Rights Office condemned Israel's killing of Palestinian journalists in Gaza, including two Al Jazeera television reporters.
The U.N. Human Rights Office posted on social media platform X: "We condemn the Israeli army's serious violation of international humanitarian law by killing 6 Palestinian journalists in an attack on their tents."
The post stated that Israel must respect and protect all civilians, including journalists, adding: "At least 242 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. We demand immediate, safe and unhindered access for all journalists to Gaza."
Amnesty International strongly condemned Israel's deliberate killing of Palestinian journalists in Gaza, including 2 Al Jazeera television reporters.
The London-based organization posted on X regarding journalists killed by the Israeli army in Gaza: "We strongly condemn Israel's deliberate killing of journalists in an airstrike on a media tent in occupied Gaza city. Anas al-Sharif and his colleagues became Gaza's eyes and voice. Although they were exhausted from hunger and fatigue, they courageously continued to report from the front."
According to the U.N. Human Rights Office, at least 242 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
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