Violence erupted in Jerusalem around funeral procession for those shot dead Al Jazeerajournalist Shireen Abu Akleh. A video shows Israeli police officers charging Palestinians carrying the coffin.
As a result, the coffin of Abu Akleh, who died at the age of 51, almost fell to the ground.
Strict security measures had been taken in Jerusalem in advance to ensure that the funeral took place “safely and without violence”. Several roads have been closed and additional security personnel have also been deployed.
Thousands of mourners have gathered for the funeral procession in the Old City. Abu Akleh was a very well-known reporter. She was a Palestinian Christian born in East Jerusalem. There she is buried in a cemetery next to her parents.
Many thousands of people mourn Abu Akleh
The day before, thousands of people came to the farewell ceremony in the Palestinian city of Ramallah and people lined the route that the coffin took. Mourners then had, among other things, flowers and photos of Abu Akleh.
The journalist died while covering an Israeli army raid on the West Bank. An initial investigation by the Israeli police states that it is not possible to determine who fired the bullet that killed Abu Akleh.
Only Israel mentions Palestinian bullet as an option
Police say the bullet came from a Palestinian gunman or a missed shot from an Israeli sniper.
The military resumed its raids on the West Bank on Friday. Abu Akleh’s death further exacerbates tensions already built up between the Palestinian and Israeli authorities, who blame each other for the death. Also news channel Al Jazeera holds Israel responsible for Abu Akleh’s death.