Free Palestine / Individual record
Shireen Abu Akleh
Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was fatally shot while reporting on an Israeli military operation.
- Record ID
- PAL-1
- Date of death
- May 11, 2022
- Outcome
- Fatal
- Location
- Jenin, West Bank
- Category
- Journalist
- Affiliation
- Al Jazeera
What happened
Shireen Abu Akleh, a veteran Palestinian-American Al Jazeera journalist, was fatally shot on May 11, 2022 while covering an Israeli military raid in Jenin in the occupied West Bank. She was wearing protective gear clearly identifying her as press. Multiple independent news investigations examined video, audio, witness accounts and bullet trajectories and concluded that Israeli fire was responsible. Her death sparked widespread demands for independent accountability and renewed scrutiny of attacks on Palestinian journalists.
Investigation & findings
The U.S. State Department said Israeli military gunfire was likely responsible but reported that it could not determine intent. Independent media investigations and press-freedom organizations reached stronger conclusions about the source of gunfire; both assessments should be attributed correctly.
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026
Sources & records
- Primary source
- Additional source
- Deadly Pattern: 20 journalists killed by Israeli military fireCommittee to Protect Journalists · 2023 · Press freedom report
- Occupied Palestinian Territory humanitarian reportingUN OCHA · UN situation reports
- Journalist casualties in Israel-Gaza warCommittee to Protect Journalists · Press freedom list