RAMALLAH, Saturday, May 14, 2022 – President Mahmoud Abbas today awarded the family of the late Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh the Star of Jerusalem in honor of her legacy.

During a ceremony held at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, President Abbas bestowed the decoration in recognition of Abu Akleh’s outstanding journalistic role in defending her homeland and its cause, as well as for her courage, dedication, and professionalism in supporting the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people.

The President also awarded the Medal of Appreciation to journalist Ali Al-Sammoudi, who was injured in the same incident; journalist Shatha Hanaysha and Al Jazeera photojournalist Majdi Bannoura, who were accompanying Abu Akleh at the time; and to Sharif Omar Abdel Latif Azab, the young man who bravely risked his life to protect Hanaysha during the gunfire.

President Abbas reaffirmed the State of Palestine’s commitment to pursue accountability for Abu Akleh’s killing, stressing that Israel cannot be a partner in any investigation into her death due to its responsibility for the crime.