Cincunri Sakia

Kamis, 12 Mei 2022

Ukraine war: Kremlin says Finland NATO application would 'definitely' be a threat to Russia and bring 'symmetrical responses' - Sky News

Finland's ambition to apply for NATO membership is "definitely" a threat to Russia and would trigger retaliatory steps, the Kremlin has said.

Finland's president has said his country - which borders Russia - needs to apply to join the military alliance "without delay".

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that would "definitely" be judged a direct threat to his country.

Commander asks for Elon Musk intervention on steel plant - Ukraine latest

"NATO expansion does not make our continent more stable and secure. This cannot fail to arouse our regret, and is a reason for corresponding symmetrical responses on our side," he said.

Russia's foreign ministry said NATO's aim was to expand towards its borders and warned it would have to take "retaliatory steps, both of a military-technical and other nature".

Mr Peskov added: "Everything [further action by Russia] will depend on how this process of expansion will look like in the future, how far the military infrastructure will move, how much closer to our borders."

Finnish politicians have also been warned that Russia could stop its gas supplies to Finland on Friday, according to newspaper Iltalehti.

The paper cited unnamed sources and did not specify where the warning came from.

Finnish president Sauli Niinisto earlier made a joint statement on NATO with the country's prime minister, Sanna Marin.

They said: "We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days.

"Now that the moment of decision-making is near, we state our equal views, also for information to the parliamentary groups and parties.

"NATO membership would strengthen Finland's security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance.

"Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay."

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg later said Finland would be welcomed if they decide to join, adding the accession would be "smooth and swift".

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told MSNBC that it would not be difficult to integrate the country into NATO.

Since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Finland has increased its cooperation with the alliance as one of its "partner" nations.

However, it has not joined in order to maintain good relations with its much-larger eastern neighbour.

The government and parliament in Finland is expected to give approval to the decision shortly.

'A new kind of North'

The announcement means Finland is virtually certain to seek membership, though a few steps remain before the application process can begin.

Neighbouring Sweden is expected to decide on joining NATO in the coming days.

Last month, Mr Niinisto - who heads foreign policy in the country - told newspaper Ilta-Sanomat: "If it happens, as it looks likely, that Finland and Sweden will join (NATO), then it will create a new kind of North for us, one that is responsible, stable and strong."

Support for the move has changed rapidly since Russia invaded Ukraine - with the latest poll by public broadcaster YLE showing 76% of Finns in favour and only 12% against.

The prime minister's official spokesperson told reporters: "Obviously, they are now in the early stages of democratic consultations and we fully support and welcome that NATO is a defensive organization. And we support 100% any country's democratic wish to join.

"I think it shows how democratic countries are further joining together as a direct consequence of Putin's illegal invasion.

"It shows and only further illustrates the futility of the actions that he has taken and that he is not achieving by any measure, his aims, not least of which is reported on to push back on NATO.

RUSSIA'S WAR IN UKRAINE TRIGGERS SEISMIC SHIFT IN EUROPE'S SECURITY

Deborah Haynes

Security and Defence Editor

@haynesdeborah

A new security chapter is opening in Europe - one that will require governments not just to say their top priority is the defence of their nation but to prove it with actions and investment.

Russia's war in Ukraine has triggered this seismic shift, doing more to galvanise the NATO defence alliance than any event since its foundation more than 70 years ago - including through the entirety of the Cold War.

It is why two, historically neutral European countries, Finland and Sweden, look set to request membership to the club in defiance of warnings from Moscow - a stunning change in foreign and defence policy.

Finland's leaders on Thursday said their country should apply "without delay".

It was an eagerly-awaited statement of intent that signals a formal application could come within days.

The altered landscape also explains why the UK has just signed new security pacts with both Nordic states, guaranteeing to come to their defence should either be attacked.

This pledge already draws Helsinki and Stockholm closer to the blanket of collective security provided by NATO even before any formal move to accede to the 30-member club.

Such moves would have been unthinkable barely six months ago, with Finland and Sweden carefully balancing their relations with Western allies and with their vast Russian neighbour.

Read the full analysis here

"The only aggression that actually was enacted was the illegal invasion. I think we are seeing countries taking steps to ensure that they are protected and working more closely with other like-minded democratic countries."

It comes after the UK agreed defence pacts with both Finland and Sweden.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Stockholm and Helsinki to sign the agreements this week.

The agreements say the UK will come to the aid of both countries if they are attacked, and vice-versa.

The Kremlin earlier warned of "military and political repercussions" if Sweden and Finland decide to join the alliance but Mr Johnson made clear he would back Sweden's accession.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMifmh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5za3kuY29tL3N0b3J5L3VrcmFpbmUtd2FyLWZpbmxhbmQtdG8tYXBwbHktdG8tam9pbi1uYXRvLWZvci10aGUtZmlyc3QtdGltZS1hbWlkLXJ1c3NpYXMtb25nb2luZy1pbnZhc2lvbi0xMjYxMTA0MtIBggFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9hbXAvdWtyYWluZS13YXItZmlubGFuZC10by1hcHBseS10by1qb2luLW5hdG8tZm9yLXRoZS1maXJzdC10aW1lLWFtaWQtcnVzc2lhcy1vbmdvaW5nLWludmFzaW9uLTEyNjExMDQy?oc=5

2022-05-12 14:08:46Z
1423582373

Ukraine war: Finland to apply to join NATO for the first time amid Russia's ongoing invasion - Sky News

Finland's president has said the country needs to apply to NATO "without delay", prompting Russia to warn of a "response".

Responding to Finland's announcement this morning, the Kremlin said that the move to join NATO will not help stability and security in Europe, adding it will be "definitely" a threat to Russia and it would be forced to take retaliatory steps.

The foreign ministry claimed that NATO's aim was to continue expanding towards Russia's borders, in order to create another flank for military threat to the country.

Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov added the steps taken by Finland to join NATO were a cause for regret and a reason to impose a symmetrical response.

He also said Russia is prepared to give the most decisive response to any side which tries to get involved in Ukraine and hinder the special military operation.

Mr Peskov: "Everything (further action by Russia) will depend on how this process of expansion will look like in the future, how far the military infrastructure will move, how much closer to our borders.

"Of course, if you remember the current instruction of the (Russian) president and the commander-in-chief, to develop a list of measures to strengthen our western flanks in connection with the strengthening of NATO's eastern flank, that is, NATO is moving in our direction, so, of course, all this will become elements for a special analysis and development of necessary measures, in order to balance the situation and ensure our safety."

Finnish politicians have also reported to have been warned that Russia could halt its gas supplies to Finland on Friday, according to local newspaper Iltalehti.

The paper cited unnamed sources and did not specify where the warning would have come from.

Commander asks for Elon Musk intervention on steel plant - Ukraine latest

It comes after Finnish president Sauli Niinisto made the announcement as he said the country, which shares an 810-mile border and a difficult past with Russia, must apply for membership to the organisation.

In a joint statement with the country's prime minister Sanna Marin, they said: "We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days.

"Now that the moment of decision-making is near, we state our equal views, also for information to the parliamentary groups and parties.

"NATO membership would strengthen Finland's security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance.

"Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay."NATO's Jens Stoltenberg later said Finland would be welcomed if they decide to join, adding the accession would be "smooth and swift".

Over in the US, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told MSNBC in a television interview today that it would not be
difficult to integrate the country into the military alliance.

Since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Finland has increased its co-operation with NATO as one of its "partner" nations.

But it has not actually joined in order to maintain good relations with its eastern neighbour.

The government and parliament in Finland is expected to give approval to the decision shortly.

The announcement by Mr Niinisto and Ms Marin means Finland is virtually certain to seek NATO membership, though a few steps remain before the application process can begin.

Neighbouring Sweden is expected to decide on joining NATO in the coming days.Last month, Mr Niinisto - who heads foreign policy in the country in co-operation with the government - told newspaper Ilta-Sanomat: "If it happens as it looks likely that Finland and Sweden will join (NATO), then it will create a new kind of North for us, one that is responsible, stable and strong."

Support for joining NATO in the country has changed rapidly since Russia launched its so-called "special operation" in Ukraine - with the latest poll by public broadcaster YLE showing 76% of Finns in favour and only 12% against.

'Countries are taking steps to ensure they are protected'

The Prime Minister's official spokesperson told reporters this afternoon: "Obviously, they are now in the early stages of democratic consultations and we fully support and welcome that NATO is a defensive organization. And we support 100% any country's democratic wish to join.

"I think it shows how democratic countries are further joining together as a direct consequence of Putin's illegal invasion.

"It shows and only further illustrates the futility of the actions that he has taken and that he is not achieving by any measure, his aims, not least of which is reported on to push back on NATO.

RUSSIA'S WAR IN UKRAINE TRIGGERS SEISMIC SHIFT IN EUROPE'S SECURITY

Deborah Haynes

Security and Defence Editor

@haynesdeborah

A new security chapter is opening in Europe - one that will require governments not just to say their top priority is the defence of their nation but to prove it with actions and investment.

Finland's leaders on Thursday said their country should apply "without delay".

It was an eagerly-awaited statement of intent that signals a formal application could come within days.

The altered landscape also explains why the UK has just signed new security pacts with both Nordic states, guaranteeing to come to their defence should either be attacked.

This pledge already draws Helsinki and Stockholm closer to the blanket of collective security provided by NATO even before any formal move to accede to the 30-member club.

Such moves would have been unthinkable barely six months ago, with Finland and Sweden carefully balancing their relations with Western allies and with their vast Russian neighbour.

Read the full analysis here

It comes after the UK agreed defence pacts with both Finland and Sweden.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Stockholm and Helsinki to sign the agreements this week.

The agreements say the UK will come to the aid of both countries if they are attacked, and vice-versa.

The Kremlin earlier warned of "military and political repercussions" if Sweden and Finland decide to join the alliance but Mr Johnson made clear he would back Sweden's accession.

Adblock test (Why?)

Kim Jong Un orders lockdowns as North Korea confirms first Covid cases - Financial Times

North Korea has confirmed its first coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic and imposed lockdowns of cities, as health experts warned about the potential impact of an outbreak in a country that has not conducted a vaccination campaign.

State news agency KCNA said on Thursday that an unspecified number of people in Pyongyang had contracted the Omicron variant of Covid-19. “There has been the biggest emergency incident in the country, with a hole in our emergency quarantine front, that has kept us safe over the past two years and three months since February 2020,” said the report.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered “all cities and counties across the country to thoroughly lockdown their areas” in order to “completely block the transmission of malicious virus”.

Kim sealed borders with China and Russia, tightened restrictions on movement within the country and ejected foreign diplomats and aid workers after the emergence of coronavirus in early 2020. The country has allowed only very limited transport of freight from China, which must pass through specially constructed disinfection centres.

China, which has been grappling with an Omicron outbreak since March, pledged “full support and assistance” to North Korean authorities.

“China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are friendly neighbours linked by mountains and rivers, and the two sides have a fine tradition of helping each other,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian.

“Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, the DPRK has been firmly supporting China in its fight against the epidemic, for which China is deeply grateful.”

Along with Eritrea, North Korea is one of only two countries in the world to have not initiated a Covid-19 vaccination programme, and it has consistently refused offers of vaccines through the World Health Organization’s Covax initiative.

Pyongyang has expressed concerns over the safety of Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs and rejected offers of Russian and Chinese vaccines.

The government was understood to want tens of millions of mRNA vaccines or wait for widespread proliferation of orally administered antiviral treatments, according to health experts.

Experts have long expressed fears of the consequences of an outbreak in a country that has a severe shortage of respirators and testing facilities.

“North Koreans with no existing protection are at definite risk, and there could be a large rise in excess mortality, especially among vulnerable, food-insecure members of the population,” said Peter Ward, a Seoul-based expert on the North Korean economy at the University of Vienna.

Kim’s border closures also intensified the economic damage from international sanctions imposed on North Korea in response to its nuclear and ballistic missile tests in 2017, as well as the effects of a series of droughts and floods.

“The economy has already taken a battering, and sustained lockdowns could severely impact the urban commercial economy still further,” said Ward. “They would make it even harder for poorer segments of urban society to eke out an existence.”

The KCNA report quoted the politburo of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea castigating health officials for their “carelessness, laxity, irresponsibility, and incompetence”.

Additional reporting by Emma Zhou in Beijing

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiP2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZ0LmNvbS9jb250ZW50LzQxZGVjNThjLTM4NjAtNGFlMy04NmM0LTcxNmZmZTg1ZGJkZNIBAA?oc=5

2022-05-12 08:46:01Z
1421482256

Rabu, 11 Mei 2022

UK strikes security agreement with Sweden and Finland as NATO bids loom - Reuters

STOCKHOLM, May 11 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday said he had agreed new deals with Sweden and Finland to bolster European security, pledging to support both countries' armed forces should they come under attack.

The agreements, described by Britain as "a step-change in defence and security cooperation", will go some way to assuage fears in Finland and Sweden over threats made by Russia should either nation decide to join NATO. read more

"What we are saying, emphatically, is that in the event of a disaster or the event of an attack upon Sweden, then the UK would come to the assistance of Sweden with whatever Sweden requested," Johnson said after meeting Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com

Johnson would not say whether the UK would send troops to Sweden in the event of an attack.

"It is up to Sweden to make the request and to spell out exactly what support is requested," he said.

He was due to travel to Finland later in the day.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced a rethink of how Sweden and neighbour Finland safeguard national security. read more

Both are expected to join NATO, but both are worried they would be vulnerable while their applications are processed, which could take up to a year. read more

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson meet at the Swedish Prime Minister's summer residence in Harpsund, Sweden May 11, 2022. Christine Olsson/TT News Agency/via REUTERS

"Are we safer with this declaration? Yes," Andersson told reporters at a briefing with Johnson at the Swedish government's country retreat south of Stockholm.

"The support will be given on request by the affected country and may include military resources."

Sweden and Finland have also received assurances of support from the United States and Germany. read more

The British statement said the new arrangements would intensify intelligence sharing and accelerate joint military training, exercises and deployments.

Sweden and Finland already have close ties with Britain and are part of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a multinational military group focused on security in the High North, North Atlantic and Baltic Sea regions.

But the war in Ukraine has increased fears in Stockholm and Helsinki that bilateral agreements are no substitute for Article 5 of NATO's charter, which guarantees that an attack on one member state would be considered as an attack on all.

Sweden is coordinating with Finland over possible NATO membership and both countries are expected to announce their intentions in the coming days. read more

"If Finland makes this historic step it is for the security of our own citizens," Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said during a visit to Japan on Wednesday. read more

"Joining NATO would strengthen the whole international community and stand for our common values."

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com

Reporting by William James in London and Simon Johnson in Stockholm; additional reporting by Kylie MacLellan, Johan Ahlander and Niklas Pollard in Stockholm, Elaine Lies in Tokyo; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Elaine Hardcastle

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiZmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnJldXRlcnMuY29tL3dvcmxkL2V1cm9wZS91ay1zdHJpa2VzLW5ldy1zZWN1cml0eS1hZ3JlZW1lbnQtd2l0aC1zd2VkZW4tZmlubGFuZC0yMDIyLTA1LTExL9IBAA?oc=5

2022-05-11 15:59:00Z
1423582373

Shireen Abu Akleh: Al Jazeera journalist shot and killed during Israeli raid in West Bank - Sky News

A journalist has been shot and killed and another injured while covering an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, who was working for Al Jazeera's Arabic language channel, was shot in the town of Jenin early on Wednesday and died soon afterward.

Another Palestinian journalist, Ali Al-Samudi, was hospitalised in a stable condition after being shot in the back.

In video footage of the incident, 51-year-old Ms Abu Akleh, who is also a US citizen, can be seen wearing a blue flak jacket clearly marked with the word 'PRESS'.

While the Palestinian health ministry said the reporters were hit by Israeli fire, the Israeli military said it is "investigating" the event and is looking into the possibility the journalists were hit by "the Palestinian gunmen".

In a statement flashed on its channel, Al Jazeera blamed Israel and called on the international community to "condemn and hold the Israeli occupation forces accountable for deliberately targeting and killing our colleague, Shireen Abu Akleh".

The Israel army initially raised the possibility that Ms Abu Akleh might have been killed by stray Palestinian fire, saying militants were also present in the area.

And Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that based on the information they had already gathered "there is a considerable chance that armed Palestinians, who fired wildly, were the ones who brought about the journalist's unfortunate death".

However, army chief Lt Gen Aviv Kochavi later stepped back from that assertion, saying that "at this stage, we cannot determine by whose fire she was harmed and we regret her death".

The Israeli military said its forces came under attack with heavy gunfire and explosives while operating in the town, and that they fired back.

Israel's foreign minister Yair Lapid said it proposed a joint pathological investigation into the reporter's death to the Palestinian Authority, which had refused the offer.

Mr Samudi, who was working as Ms Abu Akleh's producer, said they were among a group of seven reporters who went to cover the raid early on Wednesday.

He said the first shot missed them, the second hit him and a third killed his colleague, adding that there were no militants or other civilians in the area - only the reporters and the army.

Mr Samudi said the military's suggestion they were shot by militants is a "complete lie".

Shatha Hanaysha, a reporter with a Palestinian news website, similarly said there were no clashes or shooting in the immediate area.

She said when the shots rang out she and Ms Abu Akleh ran towards a tree to take shelter.

"I reached the tree before Shireen. She fell on the ground," Ms Hanaysheh said.

"The soldiers did not stop shooting even after she fell. Every time I extended my hand to pull Shireen, the soldiers fired at us."

The US ambassador to Israel, Tom Nides, said on Twitter: "I encourage a thorough investigation into the circumstances of her death and the injury of at least one other journalist today in Jenin."

Al Jazeera's Nida Ibrahim told the broadcaster Ms Abu Akleh, who was born in Jerusalem, was a "very well-respected journalist" who had been working with the channel since 2000.

The British Consulate General in Jerusalem said it is "shocked" at the death of Ms Abu Akleh, adding that "media freedom and safety of journalists are essential and must be respected".

Israel has carried out near-daily raids in the West Bank in recent weeks amid a series of deadly attacks inside Israel, many of them carried out by Palestinians from in and around Jenin.

The town, and particularly its refugee camp, has long been known as a militant bastion.

Israel captured the West Bank in 1967, and the Palestinians want the territory to form the main part of their future state.

Nearly three million Palestinians live in the territory under Israeli military rule.

Israel has built more than 130 settlements across the West Bank that are home to nearly 500,000 Jewish settlers, who have full Israeli citizenship.

Israelis have long been critical of Al Jazeera's coverage, but authorities generally allow its journalists to operate freely.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMifGh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5za3kuY29tL3N0b3J5L3NoaXJlZW4tYWJ1LWFrbGVoLWFsLWphemVlcmEtam91cm5hbGlzdC1zaG90LWFuZC1raWxsZWQtZHVyaW5nLWlzcmFlbGktcmFpZC1pbi13ZXN0LWJhbmstMTI2MTAzMjHSAYABaHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLnNreS5jb20vc3RvcnkvYW1wL3NoaXJlZW4tYWJ1LWFrbGVoLWFsLWphemVlcmEtam91cm5hbGlzdC1zaG90LWFuZC1raWxsZWQtZHVyaW5nLWlzcmFlbGktcmFpZC1pbi13ZXN0LWJhbmstMTI2MTAzMjE?oc=5

2022-05-11 12:11:42Z
1421317546

Pussy Riot band member Maria Alyokhina escapes Russia dressed as food courier after criticising Putin - Sky News

Political activist and member of the Russian band Pussy Riot has reportedly fled the country disguised as food courier after criticising Vladimir Putin.

Maria Alyokhina and her fellow band members first came to the attention of the Russian authorities after staging a protest against the Russian president inside Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral in 2012.

Despite being sentenced to two years in prison for their activism, the group continued to speak out against the Kremlin leader, with Ms Alyokhina remaining determined to fight Mr Putin's system.

Russian air defences struck by Bayraktar drones - live updates on Ukraine war

After being released from prison, she continued her activism and set up a news outlet focused on crime and punishment in Russia, called Mediazona, with another member of the band.

In April, Russian authorities placed her under house arrest as they tried to stop those in the country who opposed their invasion of Ukraine.

The 33-year-old was then ordered to spend 21 days in a penal colony.

However, the band leader managed to evade the Moscow police by disguising herself as a food courier and leaving her phone behind as a decoy.

She was then able to cross into Lithuania after seeking the help of an artist from Iceland, who secured her travel documents.

Comparing her story to a "spy novel", Ms Alyokhina told The New York Times: "I was happy that I made it, because it was an unpredictable and big kiss-off to the Russian authorities.

"I still don't understand completely what I've done."

Subscribe to Ukraine War Diaries on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Spreaker

Ms Alyokhina added: "I don't think Russia has a right to exist anymore.

"Even before, there were questions about how it is united, by what values it is united, and where it is going. But now I don't think that is a question anymore."

In 2019, fellow bandmate Nadya Tolokonikova spoke to Sky News about her time in a prison camp and protests taking place in Russia.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiiQFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9wdXNzeS1yaW90LWJhbmQtbWVtYmVyLW1hcmlhLWFseW9raGluYS1lc2NhcGVzLXJ1c3NpYS1kcmVzc2VkLWFzLWZvb2QtY291cmllci1hZnRlci1jcml0aWNpc2luZy1wdXRpbi0xMjYxMDQwMNIBjQFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9hbXAvcHVzc3ktcmlvdC1iYW5kLW1lbWJlci1tYXJpYS1hbHlva2hpbmEtZXNjYXBlcy1ydXNzaWEtZHJlc3NlZC1hcy1mb29kLWNvdXJpZXItYWZ0ZXItY3JpdGljaXNpbmctcHV0aW4tMTI2MTA0MDA?oc=5

2022-05-11 11:00:57Z
CBMiiQFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9wdXNzeS1yaW90LWJhbmQtbWVtYmVyLW1hcmlhLWFseW9raGluYS1lc2NhcGVzLXJ1c3NpYS1kcmVzc2VkLWFzLWZvb2QtY291cmllci1hZnRlci1jcml0aWNpc2luZy1wdXRpbi0xMjYxMDQwMNIBjQFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9hbXAvcHVzc3ktcmlvdC1iYW5kLW1lbWJlci1tYXJpYS1hbHlva2hpbmEtZXNjYXBlcy1ydXNzaWEtZHJlc3NlZC1hcy1mb29kLWNvdXJpZXItYWZ0ZXItY3JpdGljaXNpbmctcHV0aW4tMTI2MTA0MDA

Shireen Abu Akleh: Al Jazeera journalist shot and killed during Israeli raid in West Bank - Sky News

A journalist has been shot and killed and another injured while covering an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, who was working for Al Jazeera's Arabic language channel, was shot in the town of Jenin early on Wednesday and died soon afterward.

Another Palestinian journalist, Ali Al-Samudi, was hospitalised in a stable condition after being shot in the back.

In video footage of the incident, 51-year-old Ms Abu Akleh, who is also a US citizen, can be seen wearing a blue flak jacket clearly marked with the word 'PRESS'.

The Israeli military said its forces came under attack with heavy gunfire and explosives while operating in the town, and that they fired back.

Israel's foreign minister Yair Lapid said it proposed a joint pathological investigation into the reporter's death to the Palestinian Authority, which had refused the offer.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that based on the information they had already gathered "there is a considerable chance that armed Palestinians, who fired wildly, were the ones who brought about the journalist's unfortunate death".