KUALA LUMPUR: “This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.”
These were the final words of Palestinian journalist Anas al-Sharif, whose will was published by Al Jazeera.
Written amid the war in Gaza, it served as both a farewell and a plea for his people, family, and homeland.
Anas grew up in the Jabalia refugee camp, where hardship was a daily reality.
However, his hope was rooted in a simple desire:
“Ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of the Jabalia refugee camp, my hope was that God would extend my life so I could return with my family and loved ones to our original town of occupied Asqalan, Al-Majdal.
“But Allah’s will came first and his decree is final.”
His words paint a picture of a man who lived through immense suffering but never lost his purpose.
“I have lived through pain in all its details, tasted suffering and loss many times.
Yet, I never once hesitated to convey the truth as it is without distortion or falsification so that Allah may bear witness against those who stayed silent, those who accepted our killing, those who choked our breath, and whose hearts were unmoved by the scattered remains of our children and women, doing nothing to stop the massacre that our people have faced for more than a year and a half.”
Anas entrusted his homeland and his loved ones to the world. His message is laced with the raw pain of a father and son torn away too soon.
“I entrust you with Palestine, the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world and the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you with its people, with its wronged and innocent children who never had the time to dream or live in safety and peace.
“Their pure bodies were crushed by thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and missiles – torn apart and scattered across the walls.”
He pleaded that his family not be forgotten.
“I entrust you with my beloved daughter Sham, the light of my eyes, whom I never got the chance to watch grow up as I have dreamed. I entrust you with my dear son Salah, whom I had wished to support and accompany through life until he grew strong enough to carry my burdens, and continue the mission.”
He also remembered the strength of his mother and wife, whose love and faith carried him even in absence.
“I also entrust you with my lifelong companion, my beloved wife Umm Salah (Bayan), whom the war separated from me for many long days and months, yet she remained faithful to our bond, steadfast as the trunk of an olive tree that does not bend, patient, trusting in Allah in carrying the responsibility in my absence with all her strength and faith.”
Despite the shadow of death, his final words echoed with faith.
“If I die, I die steadfast upon my principles. I testify before Allah that I am content with His decree, certain of meeting Him, and assured that what is with Allah is better and everlasting. O Allah accept me among the martyrs, forgive my past and future sins, and make my blood a light that illuminates the path of freedom for my people and my family.”
He ended his message with a plea for remembrance.
“Forgive me if I have fallen short, and pray for me with mercy, for I kept my promise and never changed or betrayed it. Do not forget Gaza.. And do not forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance.”
Earlier this month, Al Jazeera said two of its correspondents and three cameramen were killed in an Israeli strike on their tent in Gaza City.
The Israeli military admitted in a statement to targeting Anas al-Sharif, the reporter it labelled as a “fighter” affiliated with Hamas.
The attack was the latest in which journalists were targeted in the 22-month war in Gaza, with around 200 media workers killed over the course of the conflict, according to media watchdogs.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
