There is a long-established pattern of the Israeli state targeting journalists who are covering the brutal occupation of Palestine. This systematic targeting has resulted in complaints being filed with the International Criminal Court and the United Nations. This morning, we awoke to the horrific news that Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is the latest victim of this. She was shot dead - shot in the face by an Israeli sniper while doing her job covering an Israeli army attack on a Palestinian refugee camp in Jenin in the occupied West Bank. Another reporter was shot in the back. Both were clearly visible as journalists. They were wearing blue flak jackets. Shireen's killing has been described as an execution by the Israeli Defence Force. What intervention will the Government make on this matter, including through Ireland's position on the UN Security Council, to ensure Israel is held accountable for this?

The Government, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Department of Foreign Affairs, has condemned, and I condemn, the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Media freedom and the safety of journalists must be protected. There is an extra obligation on state forces to ensure the protection of journalists. We express our deepest condolences to her family. We have called for a swift, thorough and independent investigation and will pursue this through all forums at our disposal as a Government. It is quite a shocking killing, without question.