Police on High Alert Ahead of Al-Jazeera Reporter’s Funeral in Yerushalayim

By Yoni Weiss

YERUSHALAYIM – Israeli security forces have increased their alertness in and around Yerushalayim Friday for the funeral of Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

“Police are aware certain parties plan to turn the funeral into an incitement campaign, but [we] will not allow that to happen,” a senior Police official said.

Abu Akleh, who was killed during an exchange of fire between Israeli security forces and armed Palestinians in the Jenin refugee camp Wednesday morning, was set to be buried on Friday afternoon.

Police expect a large number of people to accompany the funeral procession, which will make its way from Habonim Park to Mount Zion in Yerushalayim.

“Our goal is to allow the funeral to be held in a dignified and lawful manner,” a senior Police officer said Thursday. “On the other hand, police have been ordered to show determination in the face of all the rioters who will take advantage of this funeral.”

Undercover cops will also be tasked with maintaining order at the scene.

“If there are hostile elements, criminals, inciters, and rioters, we will know how to deal with them whether they are adjacent [to the funeral] or in other places,” the officer said.

“We are trying to hold dialogue with the family for everything to proceed safely and without provocation,” a Police official said, noting these attempts had been turned down. “We will not allow the funeral to provide cover for riots. We are aware various elements will take advantage of it to incite as has happened in recent days near the family home. We will know how to deal with them as well.”