Andrew Ashdown:
Yesterday, in its’ continued desperate attempts to hide its’ multitude of genocidal crimes, the State of Israel committed yet another State murder of a leading Palestinian journalist..one of many dozens to be targeted and killed contrary to all principles of international law. Anticipating his own murder, Anas Al-Sharif wrote these moving and heartfelt words. This execution is a further brazen attempt to silence those courageous few who are risking their lives to reveal the truth of the slaughter being committed in Gaza and the brutal slow ethnic cleansing being undertaken in the West Bank. More international voices of protest are being raised against these heinous crimes, but more than voices and prayers are needed to stop what has become a rogue State that has lost all moral compass and which refuses to adhere to basic international laws of human rights, dignity and of humanity itself. Lord, have mercy.
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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, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
God knows that I have given all my effort and strength to be a support and a voice for my people since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of Jabalia refugee camp. My hope was that God would grant me life to return with my family and loved ones to our original town of Ashkelon (Al-Majdal), occupied land. But God’s will was swifter, and His decree is binding.
I lived pain in all its details, tasted grief and loss repeatedly, yet I never hesitated to convey the truth as it is—without distortion or falsification—hoping God would bear witness against those who remained silent, those who accepted our killing, those who besieged our breaths, and whose hearts were not moved by the shattered bodies of our children and women, nor did they stop the massacre our people have faced for more than a year and a half.
I entrust you with Palestine, the jewel of the Muslim world and the pulse of every free heart in this world.
I entrust you with its people, with its innocent children who were not granted the time to dream or live in safety and peace.
Their pure bodies were crushed under thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and missiles, torn apart, their remains scattered on the walls.
I urge you not to let chains silence you, nor borders restrain you. Be bridges toward liberating the land and the people until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our stolen homeland.
I entrust you with my family.
I entrust you with the apple of my eye, my beloved daughter, Sham, whom fate did not allow me to see grow as I dreamed.
I entrust you with my dear son, Salah, whom I wished to support and accompany until he grew strong, carrying my burden and continuing the mission.
I entrust you with my beloved mother, whose prayers were the reason I reached where I did. Her supplications were my fortress, and her light my path.
I pray God to ease her heart and reward her abundantly on my behalf.
I also entrust you with my lifelong companion, my beloved wife, Umm Salah Bayan, from whom war separated us for long days and months, but who remained faithful, steadfast like an olive tree trunk that never bends, patient and devout, carrying the trust in my absence with strength and faith.
I urge you to gather around them and be their support after God Almighty.
If I die, I die steadfast on my principles, bearing witness to God that I am satisfied with His decree, believing in meeting Him, and certain that what is with God is better and everlasting.
O God, accept me among the martyrs, forgive my past and future sins, and make my blood a light that illuminates the path to freedom for my people and family.
Forgive me if I fell short, and pray for me mercy, for I have remained true to the covenant, never changing or betraying it.
Do not forget Gaza…
And do not forget me in your good prayers for forgiveness and acceptance.
Anas Jamal Al-Sharif
06.04.2025
This is what Anas ordered to be published upon his martydom.
