IDF: 'High possibility' journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by 'unintentional fire' from an Israeli soldier
The Israel Defense Forces said Monday that there is a "high possibility" that Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by "unintentional fire" from an Israeli soldier, Axios and Haaretz report. "It needs to be said that there were both IDF soldiers and Palestinians at the scene," a high-ranking Israeli army official told Haaretz. "The most likely scenario is that a soldier mistakenly fired the shots, while he himself was being fired at."
The IDF said they had identified the solider who likely killed the 51-year-old correspondent, who was wearing a bulletproof vest that said "PRESS" at the time of her death, and that "it was a mistake and he is sorry for it." An investigation into the incident will not be opened because "there is no suspicion that a criminal offense was committed," according to the Israeli Military Advocate General's Office.
Abu Akleh was killed while covering an Israeli military raid in the West Bank city of Jenin. She made her presence known to soldiers, and a number of onlookers even stopped to watch her work, given her fame. Read more about the firestorm surrounding her death at The Week.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Dangerous substances in Lunchables are raising concerns over children's health
In the Spotlight High levels of lead and sodium were recently found in the snack packages
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Fired art
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Will Iran attack hinder support for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Pro-Kyiv allies cry 'hypocrisy' and 'double standards' even as the US readies new support package
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran's attack on Israel backfire?
Today's Big Question The unprecedented targeting of Israel could be a 'godsend' for Netanyahu as the limits of Tehran's military power are exposed
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran risk all-out war with Israel?
Today's Big Question Tehran has not wanted to be directly involved in the Middle East conflict so far. But that could be about to change
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
'Humanitarian islands': how will Israel's plan for Rafah civilians work?
Today's Big Question Designated zones in central Gaza to provide temporary housing, food and water for more than a million displaced Palestinians
By The Week UK Published
-
What is Iran's endgame?
Today's Big Question Tehran seeks to supplant US and Saudi Arabia as dominant power in Middle East while forcing Israel to end Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostages
Speed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 years
Speed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
100 days of war: a timeline of the Israel-Hamas conflict
The Explainer Tens of thousands dead and Gaza in ruins as risk of wider escalation continues to grow
By The Week UK Published