Israeli forces have shot dead Al Jazeera’s journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry. (Al Jazeera)
Akleh, 51, a longtime Al Jazeera correspondent and a revered figure on Arab television screens, was shot in the neck while covering Israeli raids in the Jenin refugee camp, according to witness accounts. (WaPo)
“Al Jazeera holds the Israeli government and the occupation forces responsible for the killing of Shireen,” Al Jazeera said in a statement. “It also calls on the international community to condemn and hold the Israeli occupation forces accountable.” (TVNewser)
Israel’s defense minister, Benny Gantz, promised a transparent investigation and said he was in touch with U.S. and Palestinian officials. The Israeli military initially suggested that Abu Akleh might have been killed by stray fire from Palestinians, but Gantz was more cautious Wednesday evening. (AP)