The Al Jazeera Media Network has reportedly terminated the contracts of more than 20 journalists, correspondents, cameramen and producers based in the Gaza Strip, prompting criticism from Palestinian media circles and press freedom advocates.
According to multiple reports, the decision was taken following the October 2025 ceasefire, with affected staff allegedly informed that their services were no longer required. Gaza-based news outlet Gaza 24 Live first reported the development, claiming the journalists were dismissed without prior notice despite covering the war during one of the deadliest periods in Gaza’s recent history.
Those reportedly affected include correspondents Mohammed Al Sharif and Mohammed Shaheen, as well as cameraman and producer Mahmoud Shalha. The reported cuts also include several freelance journalists, producers and photographers who worked with the network during the conflict.
The decision has sparked widespread reaction on social media, with journalists and supporters questioning the network’s treatment of staff who continued reporting under exceptionally dangerous conditions. Reports indicate that many remained on duty despite suffering injuries, being repeatedly displaced, facing constant security threats and losing family members during the war.
In a statement shared by Peace Communications, journalist Abubaker Abed described the reported decision as “heartbreaking”, saying many journalists had “risked everything” to document the war in Gaza.
The statement argued that the reported dismissals raise broader questions about how international media organisations support local journalists once major conflicts subside.
The reported staff reductions come only weeks after Al Jazeera condemned the killing of one of its cameramen, Ahmed Wishah, in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza. The network described the strike as a “deliberate killing” and said Wishah was the 12th Al Jazeera journalist killed in Gaza since October 2023.
Al Jazeera has repeatedly accused Israel of targeting its journalists. Israeli authorities have rejected those allegations, maintaining that individuals targeted had links to militant groups. Israel has also continued to prohibit Al Jazeera from operating inside the country and extended its ban on the network’s activities for a further 90 days.
The reported dismissals have reignited debate over the responsibilities of international news organisations towards local journalists working in conflict zones. Media advocates note that Gaza-based reporters have carried much of the burden of documenting the war after foreign journalists were largely prevented from entering the territory, often doing so at immense personal risk.
At the time of publication, Al Jazeera had not issued a detailed public statement responding to reports that the contracts of more than 20 Gaza-based journalists and media workers had been terminated.
