Anas al-Sharif, killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza, left behind a powerful farewell message – his final testament to his people, his family and the world.

Palestinian journalists Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qraiqea were killed on Sunday in an Israeli bombardment that struck a journalists’ tent near Gaza City’s Al-Shifa Hospital, Al Jazeera reported.

Cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal also died in the attack, which was carried out by an Israeli drone. The Israeli army admitted targeting al-Sharif shortly after the strike.

Al-Sharif, 28, from Jabaliya refugee camp, was an award-winning journalist who became a leading voice from Gaza during the war.

Less than two weeks ago, the Committee to Protect Journalists had warned that his life was in “acute” danger due to repeated threats from an Israeli military spokesperson.

Before his death, al-Sharif prepared a farewell message to be shared if he was killed. His family and colleagues posted it to his social media accounts after the news of his death.

Below is the full English translation of that message.

Anas al-Sharif’s final message

“This is my will and my final message.

“If my words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.

“First, peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings.

“God knows I gave all I had — strength and effort — to be a support and a voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys of Jabaliya refugee camp. My hope was to live long enough to return with my family and loved ones to our original town, Asqalan (al-Majdal), now under occupation. But God’s will came first, and His decree is final.

“I have lived pain in all its details and tasted loss many times. Yet I never stopped telling the truth as it is, without falsification or distortion – so that God may bear witness over those who stayed silent, accepted our killing, and did nothing to stop the massacre our people have endured for more than a year and a half.

“I entrust you with Palestine – the jewel of the Muslim crown and the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you with its people and children, whose pure bodies have been crushed under Israeli bombs and missiles.

“Do not let chains silence you or borders restrain you. Be bridges toward the liberation of the land and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our stolen homeland.

“I entrust you with my family: my beloved daughter Sham; my dear son Salah; my mother, whose prayers were my fortress; and my steadfast wife Bayan (Umm Salah), who carried the responsibility in my absence with strength and faith. Stand by them after God.

“If I die, I die steadfast in my principles. I bear witness that I am content with God’s decree, certain of our meeting, and convinced that what is with God is better and everlasting.

“O God, accept me among the martyrs, forgive me my sins, and make my blood a light that illuminates the path of freedom for my people. Forgive me if I fell short, and pray for me with mercy, for I have kept my pledge and never changed.

“Do not forget Gaza… and do not forget me in your prayers.”

Anas Jamal al-Sharif

April 6, 2025

Republished from The Palestine Chronicle, 11, August 2025

The views expressed in this article may or may not reflect those of Pearls and Irritations.