Video of Israeli police beating pallbearers at Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh's funeral precession in Jerusalem sparked shock and condemnation all over the world. Dozens of officers attacked mourners with batons on Friday and at one level an officer might be seen hitting the lads carrying her coffin.
"We have been deeply troubled by the photographs of Israeli police intruding into the funeral procession of Palestinian American Shireen Abu Akleh," wrote U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Twitter Saturday. "Each household deserves to put their family members to relaxation in a dignified and unimpeded method."
Israeli police say they're investigating the occasions surrounding the incident however they accuse "rioters" for sabotaging the funeral by "throwing stones and different objects at Israeli Law enforcement officials."
That did not fulfill the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, town's lead Catholic clergyman, who mentioned the "Israeli police's invasion and disproportionate use of power… is a extreme violation of worldwide norms and laws."
Her niece, Lina Abu Akleh, was within the entrance row when the police attacked the gang of mourners and pallbearers on their method to a church in Jerusalem's Previous Metropolis.
"There have been no clashes, we have been merely carrying the casket," Lina says. "I needed to run. One of many Israeli forces instructed me, 'If you don't get away from right here, I'll beat you.'"
The assault by the police got here amid rising anger at Israeli forces that ramped up final Wednesday. Shireen Abu Akleh was reporting on an Israeli operation within the West Financial institution metropolis of Jenin when a bullet struck her within the head. Eyewitnesses say Israeli forces have been accountable.
A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennet responded to the killing by saying: "Shireen Abu Akleh's demise is a tragedy. There isn't any different phrase for it. She was an skilled journalist, whom lots of my very own colleagues used to work with." However they added, "With none concrete proof, hasty accusations in opposition to Israel which are being made proper now are deceptive and irresponsible."
Calls by Israel for a joint investigation have been rejected by Palestinian authorities.
"She was assassinated and that was a method to silence her," mentioned Lina Abu Akleh, blaming Israel for her demise. "They have to be held accountable."
U.S. State Division spokesperson Ned Value condemned her killing and mentioned "the investigation have to be quick and thorough and people accountable have to be held accountable. Her demise is an affront to media freedom in all places."
For greater than 20 years, Shireen Abu Akleh labored as a reporter for the Qatar-based information channel Al Jazeera. She grew to become an icon to many Palestinians and Arabs all through the Center East as she entered their houses by means of their TV units to convey them the every day occasions from Israel and the West Financial institution. Photos of her working now adorn partitions all through the Palestinian territories.
However for Lina, she wasn't only a well-known face — Shireen was her confidant, mentor and greatest pal. The 27-year-old pupil acquired the decision that her aunt had been injured, and turned on Al Jazeera to be taught that she had died from her wounds. It was one in every of her best fears; she had lengthy frightened about Shireen's security.
"I used to inform her, 'Shireen, watch out, you have to take care that you aren't getting damage,'" Lina remembers. "She would inform me, 'Don't be concerned, we're journalists. On the finish of the day we're protected by our vests they usually can see, it says capital letters: PRESS. So we do have the fitting to report they usually will not get close to us.'"
Shireen Abu Akleh was sporting that vest when she was shot and killed. Lina is glad to see the worldwide requires an investigation into her aunt's demise — however she does not want an investigation to know who she thinks is accountable.
"It is necessary to have accountability to indicate that Israel cannot get away with one other crime," she says.