The result of a US investigation exonerating Israeli direct role in the assassination of Aljazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh instigated a fresh wave of criticism against Washington for providing unquestioned support for Israel.
Independent researchers could not establish a conclusive judgment on the “origin of the bullet” that murdered Al Jazeera journalist two months ago, according to Washington. However, the investigation stated that Shireen Abu Akleh’s death was likely caused” by Israeli military shooting.
The bullet was severely damaged, according to ballistic specialists, which hindered a conclusive analysis, US department of State stated yesterday. The American Security Coordinator also asserted that no evidence was found to support the idea that the shooting was deliberate based on the thorough forensic examination.
The conclusion is said to have been made after compiling information from both Israeli and Palestinian probes.
On May 11, while documenting an Israeli military operation on the Jenin refugee camp, Abu Akleh took a bullet in her head. Reports indicated that she wore a flak vest with the word “PRESS” plainly displayed when the she was shot.
multiple Comprehensive probes were performed by Palestinian authorities, international rights organizations, and media organizations so far. Nearly all of these investigations came to the conclusion that the Israeli IDF assassinated Abu Akleh.
Last month, the UNHR office claimed that the evidence it had obtained indicated that the Israeli soldiers were the origin of the gunshot. Direct witnesses at the shot scene also confirmed Israeli troops as the perpetrators of the shooting.
Aljazeera believes that its reporter might have been killed by Israeli special forces. “What we do know is that the units that Israel sends to Jenin, the occupied city and refugee camp in the northern West Bank, are not infantry or marines; it sends special forces,” an Aljazeera reporter declared.
Abu Akleh Investigations
Following the release of US report over Abu Akleh, a wave of infuriation by relations, media, and Palestinian groups erupted. Abu Akleh’s family rejected the result as irrelevant finding it impossible to fail to detect the gun that shoot the bullet. “We will continue to advocate for justice for Shireen, and to hold the Israeli military and government accountable, no matter the attempts to obfuscate the reality of what happened on May 11,” the family said in an open statement.
After the forensic investigation was unable to establish with certainty where the bullet originated, a top Palestinian source charged that the US was shielding Israel. “The truth is clear but the US administration continues to stall in announcing it.”
Israeli human rights organization B’tselem referred to the probe as a “US-backed Israeli whitewash.” The group asserted in a tweet that “all investigations published so far conclude that Israel is responsible for the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.”
An amnesty International authority stated that the killing of Abu Akleh has to be looked into as an instance of “excessive use of force.” Callamard said that although intention is important, its potential exclusion as a possibility does not exonerate Israel. The center said that Israel has to be held responsible. Delivering justice is necessary, and protecting journalists is also necessary.
The US is allegedly shielding Israel, according to a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s board of leaders. According to Wasel Abu Yousef, the US government is delaying telling the truth despite it being obvious. According to Washington, Israel killed Shireen Abu Akleh and must be held accountable for its atrocity.
Israeli sources keep diverting the issue claiming to be conducting investigations. Yair Lapid, nevertheless, claims that there has been no intention behind the crime.
