14 May 2022

Israeli police hit mourners at Al Jazeera reporter's funeral in Jerusalem

10:48 am on 14 May 2022

Israeli police have hit mourners at the funeral of Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Aqla, whose killing in the occupied West Bank has caused a surge of anger.

Palestinian mourners carry the casket of slain  Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh from a church toward the cemetary, during her funeral procession in Jerusalem, on May 13, 2022. - Abu Akleh, who was shot dead on May 11, 2022 while covering a raid in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was among Arab media's most prominent figures and widely hailed for her bravery and professionalism. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP)

Photo: RONALDO SCHEMIDT

Her coffin almost fell as police, some using batons, waded into a crowd of Palestinians gathered around it.

Police said they acted after being pelted with stones.

Abu Aqla was shot dead in disputed circumstances on Wednesday, with Israel and Palestinians trading blame.

The killing has been widely condemned.

Footage showed a standoff between police and Palestinians gathered around the coffin in the hospital compound, before officers push the crowd back, with some beating and kicking mourners. Police said officers "were forced to use riot dispersal means".

- Reuters

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