The European Union "strongly" condemned the killing of Al-Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Aqla, who was confirmed by Palestinian authorities to have been shot dead by Israeli occupying forces in the West Bank.

In a statement released Wednesday, EU diplomatic spokesman Peter Stano called for an investigation into its targeting.

"The European Union strongly condemns the killing of The Palestinian-American journalist on Al Jazeera, Shirin Abu Aqla, in the occupied West Bank," Stano said.

He stressed that it was important to open "a comprehensive and independent investigation that clarifies all the circumstances of these incidents as soon as possible and bring those responsible to justice".