Military Reporters & Editors Association Statement on the death of Shireen Abu Akleh

Washington, D.C. — The Military Reporters & Editors Association joins the National Press Club in calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of Shireen Abu Akleh, who was fatally shot on May 11 while covering Israeli military operations in the West Bank city of Jenin.

Reports indicate that Shireen, 51, was shot in the head and that there were no Palestinian fighters near the journalists at the time. A second Al Jazeera journalist, Ali Samoudi, was shot in the back in the same incident but is in stable condition.

Abu Akleh was wearing a vest that clearly identified her as a member of the press. If Abu Akleh was deliberately targeted because she was a journalist, then her killing would be a violation of international humanitarian law. We call for the protection of journalists to be able to do their important work without fear of violence or intimidation.

We also extend our deepest condolences to Abu Akleh’s family and fellow journalists at Al Jazeera. Abu Akleh was a courageous reporter and an inspiration to all journalists who cover conflict zones.