Slain Al Jazeera journalist's family, loved ones mourn her death

JERUSALEM

Friends, family and acquaintances of slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on Wednesday gathered at her house in the town of Beit Hanina in East Jerusalem to mourn her death.

The 51-year-old was covering an Israeli raid at the Jenin refugee camp, occupied West Bank, when she was shot dead.

According to Palestinian authorities and the Doha-based television network, Israeli forces killed her.

Town residents, Palestinian officials, as well as journalists who worked closely with the veteran correspondent, who joined Al Jazeera in 1997, were present at her house.

A young man and a veiled woman distributed bread in mourning for her soul, while those present exchanged condolences.

While Abu Akleh's brother, who works with an international organization abroad, was yet to return; her niece, Lina Abu Akleh, talked to Anadolu Agency about her aunt.

"She was more than an aunt ... she was my best friend, my idol since childhood," she said, holding her tears. "Waking up to this heartbreaking news is very sad and this crime must be investigated and the Israeli occupation forces must be held accountable."

"She was more than a national hero and will always be remembered."

Lina rejected the Israeli army version that Abu Akleh was killed by Palestinian gunmen. "This is their way of evading any responsibility, but when a thorough investigation takes place, it will be proven that she was murdered in cold blood while doing her job, wearing a press jacket," she said.

"Unfortunately, the occupation (Israel) does not distinguish between a child and a woman, or even a journalist."

She talked about Abu Akleh as a person and said: "She was caring, funny, loved life and would always say to me: 'Enjoy every moment of your life.' We always spent the weekend together watching TV, and also traveled together."

Naser Qaws, the director of the Palestinian Prisoner' Club in Jerusalem, described Abu Akleh as a thorough professional. "A journalist must have connection to their country, their people, and their cause, Shireen was like that,” he said. "Shireen is the daughter of Jerusalem ... she always shared our joys and sorrows."

*Writing by Bassel Barakat