Jerusalem24– Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh as well as other marked members of the press were directly targeted by Israeli snipers according to witnesses of the fatal shooting.
Freelance journalist Shadha Hanaysheh who was present at the scene described being cornered and unable to protect herself from incoming fire, in an interview with Shabakeh Al-Quds.
“The shooting didn’t stop even after Shireen was on the ground,” Hanaysheh said. “That’s how we were able to know they were attacking us directly as members of the press.”
Hanaysheh pointed out that Abu Akleh was wearing a helmet and all members of the press were clearly marked.
“The building where the snipers were shooting from was right across from the wall we were hiding next to,” she continued. “People kept warning us about the snipers. We were standing in an area where we were clearly visible and clearly marked members of the press. They started shooting at us once we reached an area where it was hard to retreat from, this was a clear assassination.”
Video footage of the shooting shows a man struggling to carry a limp Abu Akleh while onlookers shout warnings from a few meters away.
Abu Akleh was declared dead as she arrived at Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin.
