Shireen Abu Akleh, a well-known Palestinian female reporter for the broadcaster’s Arabic language program, was fatally murdered. Another Palestinian journalist from the Al-Quds daily in Jerusalem was injured, although his condition is stable. The reporters were hit by Israeli fire, according to the health ministry. Abu Akleh can be seen in video footage of the incident wearing a blue flak jacket with the word “PRESS” clearly written on it. She was shot in the head by a live bullet and transported to the hospital in serious condition till she died.
While operating in Jenin, Israeli forces were attacked with heavy gunfire and explosives, according to the Israeli military, who responded by firing back. The military said that they are examining the incident and looking into the possibility that Palestinian gunmen shot the journalists. In recent weeks, Israel has conducted nearly daily operations in the occupied West Bank, following a series of deadly attacks inside Israel, many of which were carried out by Palestinians from Jenin and the surrounding area. The town, particularly its refugee camp, has a long history of being a militant stronghold.
As per the health ministry, another Palestinian journalist was shot in the back by a live bullet. Ali Samoudi, a reporter for the Jerusalem-based Quds daily, was said to be in good health. Many people in Palestine and throughout the world expressed their astonishment and grief on social media.
Israeli troops and the media, particularly Palestinian journalists, have difficult relations. While reporting demonstrations in the West Bank, several Palestinian journalists were injured by rubber-coated bullets or tear gas. Israel has gunned down over 50 Palestinian journalists since 2000.
