Macron urges 'Israeli probe' into Shireen Abu Akleh killing

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday urged Israel to swiftly complete investigations into the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh who was shot dead during an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank, Paris said.

The 51-year-old veteran Al Jazeera reporter was killed by Israeli forces while covering a raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday.

Her death and Israeli police brutality toward mourners at her funeral have sparked international outrage.

"The president said that he was moved by the death of Shireen Abu Akleh and reiterated France's position that a rapid conclusion of the investigation was needed," the French president's office said following a telephone call between Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Israel and the Palestinians are conducting separate probes into her killing. 

The Palestinians, including witnesses, accuse Israel of assassinating her and have called for an international response. Israel has denied targeting her, saying she may have been shot accidentally by gunfire.

Abu Akleh was shot in the only part of her face not covered by a safety helmet and wore a Press vest.

The Elysee said Macron also expressed concern about Israel's recent decision to press ahead with more than 4,000 illegal new settlement homes in the occupied West Bank. 

The international community considers the settlements illegal under international law.

A statement from Bennett's office following the call made no mention of Abu Akleh or of the settlements.

The Elysee also said Macron and Bennett would coordinate efforts to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Both leaders have been involved in so far fruitless diplomatic efforts with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at bringing peace to Ukraine.