Al Jazeera journalist killed during Israeli army raid on refugee camp

Al Jazeera journalist killed during Israeli army raid on refugee camp
photo: Ukraine Europa Biggest Breaking News Russia War via Flickr, 11-05-2022

11-05-2022

Myrthe Niemeijer

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence 

This morning, while covering a raid on the Jenin refugee camp by the Israeli army in the occupied West Bank, Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was shot and killed. Another journalist, reporting for Al-Quds, was shot in the back but survived. 

The killing of Abu Akleh occurred despite her wearing a press vest. According to Al-Jazeera, the perpetrator pertained to the Israeli forces. Palestinian president Abbas also stated he held Israel responsible. By contrast, Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, has stated it is “likely” that armed Palestinians killed Abu Akleh.  

The international response so far is characterised by shock en condemnation. The US ambassador to Israel - Tom Nides- expressed his regrets over Abu Akleh’s death and called for an effective investigation into the killing. The UN Special Envoy for the Middle East Peace Processes - Tor Wennesland- has also condemned the killing of Abu Akleh, and called for “an immediate and thorough investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.” [1]

Notes:

[1] The short statement is available on Twitter or on the Al-Jazeera news page, here: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/11/veteran-al-jazeera-journalist-killed-by-israeli-forces-live-news 

Sources and further reading: 

Alsaafin, L. (2022, 11 May). Veteran Al Jazeera journalist killed by Israeli forces: Live News. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/11/veteran-al-jazeera-journalist-killed-by-israeli-forces-live-news 

NOS Nieuws. (2022, 11 May). Journalist Al Jazeera doodgeschoten op Westelijke Jordaanoever. NOS. https://nos.nl/artikel/2428310-journalist-al-jazeera-doodgeschoten-op-westelijke-jordaanoever