°®Âþµº

Several are calling for an independent investigation into the killing of veteran Palestinian journalist , who was shot by Israeli forces on Wednesday as she was covering a raid in the occupied West Bank city of JeninÌýfor television networkÌýAl Jazeera.

, considered an icon in the Arab world for her journalism, was rushed to hospital, where she died soon after.

The UK-based National Union of Journalists, among other organisations, condemned Abu Akleh’s killing and called on those responsible to be held accountable.

Michelle Stanistreet, the NUJ’s General Secretary called the incident "an appalling act of violence".

"There must be a full investigation into the circumstances. The apparent targeting of a journalist is a matter of grave concern and it cannot be left to military authorities to investigate the behaviour of their own forces,"Ìýshe added.

condemns killing of respected journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by Israeli army in Jenin.

— NUJ (@NUJofficial)

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)’s General Secretary Anthony Bellenger pledged in a press release toÌý"add the murder toÌýtheÌýcase lodged at theÌýInternational Criminal Court (ICC)"Ìýwhich details the systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists.

He added that demands to an end to, and justice for, Israeli targeting and killing of are just as necessary as calls for justice for Ukrainian journalists, who have beenÌýtargeted by Russian forces over the course ofÌý of Ukraine.

IFJ GS on the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh 👇
"While the full details of this horrific murder are still emerging, testimony from journalists who were with her when she was killed point towards this being another deliberate... (1/4)

— IFJ (@IFJGlobal)

"The killing of veteran journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is a horrific reminder of the deadly system of apartheid which Israel imposes on Palestinians,"Ìý Kristyan Benedict told °®Âþµº.

Benedict condemned Israel for killing Palestinians with impunity, and criticised the international community for failingÌýto hold Israel accountable for its crimes against humanity, which "only contributes to more death, injustice, and misery".

"States have a moral and legal responsibility to take immediate action to end the continuing crimes perpetrated by Israel against Palestinians, which help to maintain the obscenity of apartheid,"Ìýhe added.

Abu Akleh’s shock death has drawn immense condemnations from colleagues and fellow journalists alike, who have unanimously expressed at her killing, calling a "dark day for journalism".

Ìý

Palestinian journalists, correspondents and reporters are systemically targeted by Israeli forces, who have killed 49 professionals between 2000 and 2020, according to the Palestinian Journalism Syndicate.

Israel has also conducted violent raids in the West Bank - specifically Jenin and Al-Aqsa Mosque - in recent weeks.

Hundreds have also been injured and arrested by occupying Israeli forces.