The Bureau of the United Nations General Assembly’s Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People condemned the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was fatally shot while reporting for Al Jazeera News on Israeli military forces’ operation in Jenin, in occupied West Bank.

The Bureau in a press release extended its deepest condolences to Abu Akleh’s family and wished a speedy recovery to injured fellow journalist Ali Al-Samoudi.

The Bureau reiterated the crucial role played by journalists in conflict zones and the imperative of media freedom to provide accurate information and underscored that they should never be targets of violence, harassment, or intimidation.

The Bureau called for an immediate, independent, and thorough international investigation into this killing and for bringing to justice those responsible.

It also reiterated its calls for the protection of the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The Bureau has repeatedly stated that the Israeli occupation of Palestine remains the source of the conflict and suffering and urges the realization of a two-State solution on the basis of the pre-1967 borders and in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions as the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

This is an objective that fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people to self-determination, independence, and freedom and puts an end to Israel’s ongoing occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, said the release.

Source: Palestine News & Information Agency