Palestinian journalist Anas al-Sharif celebrated the news of the Gaza ceasefire agreement by taking off his helmet and press vest – a journalist’s armor during a war report. In a viral video, an Al Jazeera journalist is seen taking off the protective gear that had become part of her body as part of her reporting over the past few months. Standing among Palestinians celebrating the ceasefire agreement, Anas al-Sharif says, “Now, I can finally take off this helmet that has tired me during this period. And at the same time, this vest, which has been wearing me for so long.” In time it has become a part of my body, always with me.”
“Now, from this place in the heart of Gaza City, we declare this ceasefire for the people and residents of the Gaza Strip, who have been victims of a genocidal war, bombardment and forced displacement, here Stand by this place where I am,” he said.
As he announces a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, signaling a possible end to the 15-month-long war, a man lifts the journalist on his shoulders from behind.
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According to reports, al-Sharif has been reporting from Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023, despite him and his family receiving numerous threats from Israel.
Reportedly, in December 2023, al-Sharif’s family home was bombed, killing his 90-year-old father. Due to his poor health, al-Sharif’s father was unable to accompany the rest of the family, who were taken to a UNRWA school.
A day after announcing the ceasefire agreement and freeing himself from protective gear, al-Sharif again resorted to shielding himself. In a video shared on Instagram, he wrote, “I’m back to wear my armor and the Journal helmet that I left before you, when people were celebrating the news of the ceasefire on Gaza. Unfortunately, these The Israeli pace of targeting and massacres in various areas of the Gaza Strip is increasing by the hour.”
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The joy over the ceasefire agreement was short-lived as residents woke up to new Israeli airstrikes and more deaths on Thursday.
Gaza’s civil protection agency spokesman Mahmoud Bassal told AFP on Thursday that at least 73 people had been killed in Israeli air strikes since Wednesday’s announcement.