Al Jazeera workers in Washington, DC mourn Abu Akleh | Israel-Palestine battle Information

Washington, DC – Greater than a dozen journalists based mostly in Washington, DC gathered exterior Al Jazeera’s bureau to commemorate the demise of Shireen Abu Akleh, as information of her killing continues to spark outrage all over the world.

Regardless of continued COVID-19 precautions which have stored many staff working remotely, journalists gathered on Wednesday to carry a second of silence for Abu Akleh, who was fatally shot by Israeli gunfire whereas protecting occasions within the occupied West Financial institution.

Colleagues held footage of the late journalist and handed round stickers with the slogan, “Journalism shouldn’t be a criminal offense.”

“We’re right here to point out solidarity. Our colleague Shireen Abu Akleh labored for Al Jazeera for about twenty years, she was identified all through the community each as a tremendous human being and as an intrepid journalist,” Al Jazeera’s Washington, DC bureau chief Abderrahim Foukara mentioned.

Akleh, who was Palestinian American, had labored out of the Washington, DC workplace for a short stint in 2016 to cowl the US presidential elections.

“In the present day is a horrible loss for her household, for Palestine and likewise right here, she’s an American citizen,” Foukara mentioned. “It’s a horrible loss for us her colleagues at Al Jazeera and it’s a horrible loss for journalism and journalists in every single place on the planet.”

LIVE exterior Al Jazeera in DC https://t.co/9vKZVx6opN

— Ahmed Eldin | أحمد شهاب الدين (@ASE) Might 11, 2022

Akleh, 51, a veteran reporter with Al Jazeera was struck by a bullet on Wednesday whereas protecting an Israeli navy raid within the metropolis of Jenin within the northern occupied West Financial institution.

The White Home strongly condemned Abu Akleh’s killing on Wednesday and referred to as for a radical investigation into her demise.

Her killing, which passed off whereas she was sporting a vest and helmet that clearly recognized her as a journalist, has sparked outrage all over the world.

Those that labored together with her and knew her personally mourned the lack of somebody they mentioned was all the time skilled and sort.

Wajd Waqfi White Home correspondent for Al Jazeera Arabic mentioned the 2 had plans to fulfill in Jordan’s capital, Amman, for a short vacation this 12 months.

“I’m nonetheless shocked from what occurred to Shireen,” Waqfi mentioned.

“Shireen was a tremendous, mild one who sympathised with folks’s issues,” she mentioned. “She was hardworking [person] who didn’t hesitate to do her obligation.”

She mentioned the final message Abu Akleh despatched was an e mail that learn: “the occupation forces have raided Jenin and we’re on our means.”

Al Jazeera Media Community described Abu Akleh’s demise as a “blatant homicide” perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces “which intends solely to forestall the media from conducting their obligation”. It referred to as on authorities to carry an neutral probe into her killing.

“She was elegant, calm {and professional} who knew the Palestinian battle – its political, social and humanitarian dimensions so effectively,” Amjad Al Malki, govt producer at Al Jazeera Arabic in Washington, DC mentioned.

“Shireen was very calm, however her calmness mirrored such power,” Al Malki mentioned.

The Nationwide Press Membership in Washington, DC is scheduled to carry a second of silence for Abu Akleh on Thursday anticipated to be attended by journalists from numerous media organisations.