Shireen Abu Aqleh was a Palestinian-American journalist who is known for working as a reporter for the Arabic-language channel of Al Jazeera for more than twenty five years She died on 11 May 2022 after being shot by the Israel Defense Forces.
Wiki/Biography
Shireen Abu Aqleh was born on Sunday, 3 January 1971 (age 51 years; at the time of death) in East Jerusalem. Her zodiac sign is Capricorn. She attended the Rosary Sisters’ High School, Jerusalem. She took admission to Jordan University of Science and Technology to study architecture, but later, she transferred to Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan for a bachelor’s degree in print journalism.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 5″
Weight (approx.): 65 kg
Hair Colour: Light Brown
Eye Colour: Black
Family
There is not much information about her family.
Religion
She follows Christianity.
Career
Shireen started her career as a journalist in 2014 for Radio Monte Carlo and Voice of Palestine. She has worked for the UNRWA, Amman Satellite Channel, and MIFTAH. In 1997, she joined Al Jazeera as a journalitst and became a reporter on the Arabic-language channel. She used to cover major events to Palestine and Israeli politics.
Controversy
Shireen attracted controversy when a fellow journalist, Ali al-Samoudi, who was also shot during the coverage of the raids alleged that Shireen was shot by Israeli army. He said that there were no Palestinian armed fighters at the scene. In an interview, he talked about this and said,
The first bullet hit me and the second bullet hit Shireen. They killed her in cold blood because they are killers and they specialize in killing only the Palestinian people. There was no Palestinian military resistance at all at the scene.”
The Israeli army stated that they conducted an operation in Jenin refugee camp, but it did not target the journalists.
Death
On 11 May 2022, while Shireen was reporting on IDF raids in Jenin, she was shot and killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Her death was reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry. The raids were being conducted to capture terror suspects. After being shot, Shireen was admitted to Ibn Sina Hospital, but she was pronounced dead. A news source reported that Palestinian militants had fired on IDF soldiers because of which the IDF soldiers fired back. Reportedly, she was shot in an unprotected area under her ear and she was a deliberately target. Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, expressed condolscence on her death and said,
According to the information we’ve gathered, it appears likely that armed Palestinians — who were indiscriminately firing at the time — were responsible for the unfortunate death of the journalist.”
Shireen Abu Aqleh wrapped in the flag
Facts/Trivia
- When she was shot, she was wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest, with “press” written on it.
Shireen Abu Aqleh wearing PRESS jacket
- She is an avid dog lover and often posts pictures of them on social media.
Shireen Abu Aqleh posing with his dog