KUWAIT: Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub expressed profound condemnation of the assassination of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. "In the name of the Palestinian community in the State of Kuwait, and on behalf of all employees at the embassy of the State of Palestine in Kuwait, I condemn the murder, in cold blood, committed by the Zionist entity's occupation snipers towards the martyr of truth, journalist Shireen Nasri Abu Akleh, Al-Jazeera reporter in Palestine."

"This heinous crime adds to the crimes of the Zionist entity's occupation, state terrorism of the occupation state, and its gangs of settlers committed against our Palestinian people who seek to live just like other people of the world with freedom and in dignity, and to get rid of the heinous occupation," he said. "May God bestow his mercy on Shireen."

'Heartfelt emotion'

French Ambassador to Kuwait Claire Le Flecher expressed condolences on the Abu Akleh's death. "I would like to express my heartfelt emotion and sincere condolences on the occasion of the terrible death of highly respected journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in Jenin," she said. "Freedom of the press and preservation of the security and life of journalists are key values which France is committed to defend all over the world."

'Greatest dismay'

The Belgian Embassy also condemned the killing of Abu Akleh. "The Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium has learned with the greatest dismay the death of Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh during clashes in the occupied territories. This Embassy wishes to express its condolences to Al-Jazeera and to the family of Shireen Abu Akleh," it said in a statement. "While not knowing of the specific circumstances, it remains essential that the safety and security of well identified press people and journalists be ensured by the responsible authorities and security forces, which is a pre-requisite for press freedom and the full exercise of democratic rights everywhere."

‘Shocking’ news

The British Consulate in Jerusalem expressed its shock over Abu Akleh’s death. “Shocked at news of the death of Shireen Abu Akleh, veteran Palestinian Al-Jazeera journalist,” it wrote on Twitter. “Shireen was shot during a [Zionist] operation in Jenin refugee camp this morning. Media freedom and safety of journalists are essential and must be respected.”