Mourning Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh

For over 25 years, Shireen Abu Akleh reported from the Palestinian territories and Israel. Last week she was killed covering an Israeli military operation. She was a trailblazer in Arab media. By Jan D. Walter

  • Shireen Abu Akleh wears a press vest, looking over her shoulder into camera
    Veteran journalist: Shireen Abu Akleh spent over 25 years working as journalist for Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera. Abu Akleh, a Palestinian of Christian faith, lived and worked in East Jerusalem. Her coverage mainly focused on the Middle East conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. She often reported from dangerous places, but was known for remaining calm and cautious
  • Two girls place flowers at the site where Abu Akleh was shot; pictures of the slain journalists and a Palestinian flag adorn the place
    Killed while reporting: Abu Akleh and three colleagues set out on the morning of 11 May 2022 to report on an Israeli military operation against suspected terrorists in Jenin in the West Bank. Video footage shows all four wore helmets and vests identifying them as members of the press. Despite this, Abu Akleh was shot in the head. As yet, it is still unclear who fired the shot and why
  • Reporters and others accompany Abu Akleh as she is rushed to hospital
    Exact circumstances remain unclear: The veteran journalist was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Palestinian doctors say the kind of bullet that struck and killed Abu Akleh is used by both sides. The Palestinians have rejected an Israeli proposal to launch a joint inquiry into the incident
  • Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas bids farewell to slain journalist Abu Akleh
    The blame game: A day after Abu Akleh was fatally shot, thousands gathered in Ramallah for a memorial service to commemorate the slain journalist. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called her death a "crime" and said the "Israeli occupation authorities" were responsible. Israel rejected the accusation
  • A Lebanese journalist holds a portrait of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
    Mourners around the world: Abu Akleh was well known in and beyond Israel and the Palestinian territories. According to the New York Times, Abu Akleh was one of the most prominent reporters in the Arab world, inspiring countless others, including many women, to pursue a career in journalism. Seen here is a Lebanese journalist mourning Abu Akleh's death
  • Shireen Abu Akleh holding a microphone, while being filmed
    Death of a trailblazer: Abu Akleh, who was born in Jerusalem, held U.S. citizenship. Abu Akleh joined Al Jazeera shortly after its foundation in 1996, becoming one of the broadcaster's very first reporters
  • Israeli security forces face off Palestinian mourners carrying the casket of slain journalist Abu Akleh
    Police intervention at the funeral: On 13 May, Shirin Abu Akleh was buried in a Christian Orthodox cemetery near the Old City of Jerusalem. As her body was carried out of the hospital in a coffin, Israeli security forces cracked down on the mourning Palestinians so massively that the coffin almost slid to the ground. The EU and the USA condemned the incidents during the funeral march and the "disrespectful behaviour" of the police officers
  • An artist paints a large mural, showing a portrait of Abu Akleh, and another depicting her with a vest and helmet, as well as a press helmet perforated by a bullet
    Press freedom under attack: this Gaza City mural pays homage to Shireen Abu Akleh, drawing attention to the danger many journalists face. According to Reporters Without Borders, Abu Akleh is the 26th journalist to be killed this year because of their work, or during their work. Two media assistants also lost their lives. In 2021, 44 media professionals were killed while doing their jobs