A mural in Bethlehem depicts journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed while covering an Israeli army raid in the occupied West Bank in May. AFP
A mural in Bethlehem depicts journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed while covering an Israeli army raid in the occupied West Bank in May. AFP
A mural in Bethlehem depicts journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed while covering an Israeli army raid in the occupied West Bank in May. AFP
A mural in Bethlehem depicts journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed while covering an Israeli army raid in the occupied West Bank in May. AFP

US calls for accountability after Israeli investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh killing


Mina Aldroubi
  • English
  • Arabic

The US has emphasised the importance of accountability after an Israeli military report found that prominent journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was probably killed by a soldier.

The Palestinian-American reporter was shot dead on May 11 while covering an Israeli raid in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, with responsibility for her death initially disputed.

Israel concluded an investigation on Monday and said she was likely to have been "unintentionally shot" by an Israeli soldier.

"We welcome Israel’s review of this tragic incident and again underscore the importance of accountability in this case, such as policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Mr Price said she was an American citizen and "a fearless reporter whose journalism and pursuit of truth earned her the respect of audiences around the world".

"Our thoughts remain with the Abu Akleh family as they grieve this tremendous loss – and with the many others worldwide who brought Shireen and her news reports into their homes for more than two decades," he said.

Mr Price said the US Department of Defence "recently underscored the need to improve its own assessments and practices to ensure civilian harm mitigation and we will continue to share best practices with our military partners and allies around the world".

The Israeli military said troops conducting the raid in Jenin came under heavy fire from all sides and fired back, including towards the area where Abu Akleh was standing.

It said soldiers had not been able to identify her as a journalist.

But footage has showed that Abu Akleh wore a blue flak jacket clearly marked with the word “Press” during the operation.

The military said "there is a high possibility that Abu Akleh was accidentally hit by IDF gunfire that was fired towards suspects identified as armed Palestinian gunmen".

It also said it was possible she was hit by Palestinian gunmen.

Abu Akleh was born in Jerusalem and began working for Al Jazeera in 1997. She regularly reported on-camera from across the Palestinian territories.

In July, Abu Akleh's family demanded an independent investigation into her death during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"We are here to demand justice for Shireen," Lina Abu Akleh, the journalist's niece, said outside the State Department building in Washington.

"Nothing short of a US investigation that leads to real accountability is acceptable, and we won’t stop until no other American or Palestinian family endures the same pain we have," she said on Twitter.

How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.

Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.

“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.

People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.

Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Updated: June 20, 2023, 12:26 PM