Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been reporting for Al Jazeera Arabic at the time of her death. Sources report one more critical, but non-fatal injury.
Highlights:
- A local hospital declared Abu Akleh dead on arrival.
- Israeli security forces deny responsibility; blame Palestinian militants.
- Palestine rejects an offer to hold a joint autopsy with Israel.
- Late journalist’s home raided by Israeli police just hours after her death.
JENIN: A raid in the West Bank, Palestine, took the life of an Al Jazeera correspondent and critically wounded another. Journalist Ali Samoudi from a local outlet suffered non-fatal injuries.
A team of 7 journalists travelled to the neighborhood of Al-Jabriyat in Jenin. Abu Akleh was present to report on occupation forces that had swarmed a home in the vicinity. She conveyed the message to a colleague just hours before her death through email (see below).
Israel’s response:
Avichay Adraee, an Israeli spokesperson said Palestinian militants were responsible for the death in a tweet soon after the conflict.
TRANSLATION: “Initial estimates indicate that, contrary to what is published in the Arab media, the Al-Jazeera journalist was killed this morning as a result of Palestinian gunmen’s fire in the camp while she was covering her news.”
Ali Samoudi speaks on the shooting after receiving medical attention for the wounds he sustained in the incident.
A secondary witness reveals that Shireen Abu Akleh donned press gear, indicating that she was not hostile. The 51-year-old attempted to take cover behind a tree with a colleague but collapsed a few feet away. The bullet had hit the back of her head where the press gear would be at its weakest, killing her instantly.
Pictured: Shireen Abu Akleh dressed in a press vest similar to the one she wore when shot.
Sources later reported that the Isreaeli police attempted to gain entry into the late journalist’s home, but mourners managed to barricade Israeli forces from entering.
Press Safety in The West Bank:
RSF reports that since 2001, at least 30 journalists had been killed in Palestine and numerous imprisoned. Over 140 violations were recorded against Palestinian Journalists in 2018 alone.
“The conflict with Israel has a big impact on Palestinian journalists, and covering protests is extremely dangerous. Journalists are subjected to arrests, violence, destruction of equipment, legal proceedings and denial of accreditation. They have sustained serious injuries when Israeli soldiers use live rounds to disperse protesters.” – RSF on Safety concerns with Palestinian reporters in The West Bank and Gaza.
Background on Israel-Palestine Conflict:
Israel and Palestine have been in conflict since the mid 20th century due to land disputes. Ottoman and British rule led to a complicated post-independence period. Israel claims the region for itself while Palestine terms the former as “illegal settlers”.
Tensions between Palestine and Israel have once again been on the rise since early 2022. The Al-Aqsa Mosque was stormed by Israeli forces earlier this year, causing hundreds to be injured. Israel claimed forces had simply responded to hostile Hamas protestors with tear gas and stun grenades.
Al Aqsa is the 3rd holiest site in Islam and allows Jews to enter but not pray. Palestine claims that Israel intends to allow Jewish prayer in the mosque.
Status Quo:
Hostilities lasted up to April 29th, with 40 more injuries reported on the last day of Ramadan . These events resulted in an 11-day standoff between the two nations.
The United States and Egypt stepped in and helped de-escalate the situation in early May. Israeli leadership will discuss the issue with international powers in an upcoming Israel-Jordan conclave. US president Joe Biden’s May 10 meeting with Jordanian leadership will also play a pivotal role in the future of Al Aqsa.
