Al Jazeera network accuses Israel of assassinating its journalist in 'cold-blood'

The Qatar-based Al Jazeera network on Wednesday accused Israel of having "cold-bloodedly murdered" one of its correspondents, Palestinian Shireen Abu Akleh, during an Israeli army raid in the northern West Bank city of Jenin.

“In a blatant murder, violating international laws and norms, the Israeli occupation forces assassinated in cold blood Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Palestine, Shireen Abu Akleh, targeting her with live fire early this morning, Wednesday, May 11, 2022, while conducting her journalistic duty,” Al Jazeera said in a statement.

Shireen was wearing a press jacket that identified her as a journalist while covering "the assault by Israeli occupation forces on the Junin refugee camp in the West Bank," the statement continues.

Al Jazeera Media Network condemns this heinous crime, which only aims to prevent the media from doing its duty. Al Jazeera holds the Israeli government and the occupation forces responsible for Shireen's murder.

The journalist died after a bullet hit her head, while another fellow journalist, Ali al Samudi, was wounded by a bullet that hit his back. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, quoted by DW News, his condition is stable.

The Qatari network also called on the international community to "condemn and hold the Israeli occupation forces accountable for intentionally targeting and killing Shireen."

Both journalists were identified with press vests, and Shireen had been working for Al Jazeera since the beginning of the Second Intifada.

"Al Jazeera extends its heartfelt condolences to Shireen's family in Palestine and her extended family around the world, and we pledge to legally prosecute the perpetrators, no matter how hard they try to cover up their crime, and bring them to justice," the statement ends.

Qatar's Deputy Foreign Minister Lolwah Al Khater claimed on Twitter that the Israeli Army shot the journalist in the face.

“She was covering their attack in Jenin refugee camp. This state sponsored Israeli terrorism must STOP, unconditional support to Israel must END,” she posted.

Israeli occupation killed Aljazeera journalist Sherine Abu Aqleh by shooting her in the face while wearing the Press vest and a helmet. She was covering their attack in Jenin refugee camp. This state sponsored Israeli terrorism must STOP, unconditional support to Israel must END. pic.twitter.com/Zg5QZkJ2bx

— لولوة الخاطر Lolwah Alkhater (@Lolwah_Alkhater) May 11, 2022

The Israeli Army said that during the raid on the Jenin refugee camp, "armed suspects" opened fire on security forces and threw explosives, leaving them no choice but to respond to the attack, reported El Pais.

"The Army is investigating what happened, in particular the possibility that a journalist was hit by live fire from a Palestinian," they said of Shireen's death.