The Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh

The killing of the beloved Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot by Israeli forces while covering an IDF raid of occupied Jenin on May 11th, has sparked massive outcry in Palestine and widespread condemnation from the international community—as did the subsequent attack on her funeral procession by Israeli police. Though Abu Akleh, a veteran correspondent for Al Jazeera, was a singular figure, her death is only the latest reminder that Israel has routinely targeted journalists and civilians, sustaining its impunity through obfuscation in the media and the routine dehumanization of Palestinians. Jewish Currents fellow Dylan Saba speaks with political scientist Dana El Kurd and activist Fadi Quran about Israeli media strategy, shifting public opinion outside the region, and the discursive and strategic challenges faced by the Palestine solidarity movement. 

Topics Mentioned:

“New evidence suggests Shireen Abu Akleh was killed in targeted attack by Israeli forces” - CNN

“Behind the lens: Remembering Muhammad al-Durrah, 20 years on” by Talal Abu Rahma

“On This Day: Stern Gang assassinates UN mediator Count Folke Bernadotte in 1948” by Aaron Reich

Twitter thread by Fadi Quran on the pattern of Israeli obfuscation following an attack

“Secret Israeli Report Reveals Armed Drone Kills Four Boys Playing on Gaza Beach in 2014” by Robert Mackey

Noa Tishby invoking antisemitism regarding the response to Shireen’s death

Israeli military spokesperson saying the press is “armed with cameras”

“You Cannot Unsee This Image,” an interview with Rashid Khalidi by Dylan Saba

“Key Messages from the Oppressed” by Dana El Kurd