Washington DC, 5 June 2022 (TDI): The US Security Coordinator (USSC) stated that gunfire from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions was likely responsible for the death of Shireen Abu Akleh, the Palestinian journalist.
However, the USSC found no reason to believe this was intentional and thus concluded the case as unintentional killing. According to the official statement, the USSC reached this conclusion after a detailed forensic analysis by independent and third-party examiners.
In addition, the ballistic experts determined that the bullet was severely damaged, which prevented a clear decision in this regard.
The USSC regarded this incident as a result of tragic circumstances during an IDF-led military operation against factions of Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
In the meantime, the ballistic and forensic analysis by the US security Coordinator could not reach a “definitive conclusion” regarding the origin of the bullet that claimed the life of the Palestinian-American journalist.
Furthermore, the USSC was granted complete access to both Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian Authority (PA) throughout the investigations.
The killing of 51-year-old US- Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and her partner occurred on 11 May 2022 in Jenin.
Cooperation is needed in the Case
Further, the US appreciates and continues to encourage cooperation between Israel and the PA in this critical case. Additionally, the statement clearly stated that the country would remain engaged with Israel and the PA on further actions.
Reception of the results in Palestine
Meanwhile, the decision is facing criticism from Palestine. The Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the PLO, Hussein Al Sheikh, condemned the efforts to conceal the truth over the killing of the well-known journalist.
The #occupation government bears responsibility for the assassination of #ShireenAbuAkleh , and we will continue our procedures at the international courts. We will not allow attempts to conceal the truth or to have shy references in pointing the finger of accusation to #Israel. https://t.co/9iWQa4WLvz
— حسين الشيخ Hussein Al Sheikh (@HusseinSheikhpl) July 4, 2022
In his Twitter post, the official stated that there should be no shy references in pointing the finger of accusation at Israel. In addition, the victim’s family has also expressed dissatisfaction with the conclusion.
They termed it “incredulous” as the detailed examination could not determine the gun that fired the bullet. Also, the family aims to continue advocating for justice for Shireen.
Moreover, they aim to hold the Israeli military and government accountable by overcoming the attempts to obfuscate reality.
