In response to Shireen. Abu Akleh’s killing, there has been widespread condemnation. On 11 May a statement was issued by the Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, condemning all attacks against journalists and stressing that they must never be targeted for violence. It called on the relevant authorities to carry out an independent and transparent investigation into the incident and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Further, on 11 May, the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, condemned Abu Akleh’s killing, adding that “the killing of a clearly identified press worker in a conflict area is a violation of international law” and called “on the relevant authorities to investigate this crime and bring those responsible to justice”.

On 13 May the United Nations Security Council issued a Press Statement, condemning the killing of  Abu Akleh and the injury to another journalist. The Security Council likewise called for an immediate, thorough, transparent and fair and impartial investigation into her killing, and stressed the need to ensure accountability. The Security Council reiterated that journalists should be protected as civilians and stressed that they would continue to monitor the situation closely.

On 14 May 2022 Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the killing of Ms. Abu Akleh as well as the Israeli use of force at her funeral on 13 May, and called for appropriate investigations into the actions of the Israeli security forces, with anyone found responsible held to account with penal and disciplinary sanctions commensurate to the gravity of the violation. She said, “this culture of impunity must end now”.

Aljazeera.