Jerusalem – CNN: Reporter Jerrold Kessel Dies at 66

Jerusalem – CNN says Jerrold Kessel, a longtime network Mideast correspondent who covered the Israel-Palestinian conflict, regional wars and peace efforts, has died. He was 66.

CNN Jerusalem bureau chief Kevin Flower said Kessel died Thursday of cancer.

Kessel reported for CNN in Jerusalem from 1990-2003. His thick white beard and South African accent were immediately recognizable to viewers as he covered Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Mideast violence and the 1995 assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

After leaving CNN, Kessel co-produced independent TV programs, wrote a book about football and wrote a sports column for an Israeli newspaper.

Kessel’s funeral will be Friday in central Israel. He is survived by his wife and a son.