The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says it is “appalled” by Israel’s killing of Al Jazeera journalists Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal, Al Jazeera reports.

“Israel’s pattern of labelling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom,” said the CPJ’s regional director, Sara Qudah.

“Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. Those responsible for these killings must be held accountable,” Qudah added.

Al-Sharif’s assassination comes after the CPJ warned that Israel was carrying out a “smear campaign” against al-Sharif, in a potential “precursor to justify assassination”.