Israeli actions fuel impunity in Shireen Abu Aklehs fatal shooting investigation

US Citizen and Al Jazeera Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh Killed in West Bank

On May 11, 2022, Israeli soldiers shot and killed Palestinian journalist Ali al-Samoudi while tending to his bullet wound. The body of colleague Shireen Abu Akleh, a US citizen and veteran Al Jazeera correspondent, was found at Ibn Sina Hospital in the occupied West Bank.

Al-Samoudi recounted the events leading up to the shooting, stating that he saw Abu Akleh lying next to him after being shot. He described the scene as chaotic and expressed his certainty that Abu Akleh had been intentionally killed.

The incident occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Israel and Palestinian journalists. Since then, Israel has reportedly killed hundreds of journalists and more than 10 US citizens in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank. None of these incidents have led to any arrests or charges.

Rights advocates argue that the lack of accountability for Abu Akleh’s killing has emboldened further abuses against the press. Al-Samoudi stated that the absence of justice and prosecution for the perpetrators has contributed to the systemic killing of journalists.

The US government has been criticized for its failure to ensure accountability in this matter. The US Department of Justice oversees an FBI investigation into the shooting, but no public reports or criminal charges have been filed. Al-Samoudi was interviewed by US officials only once and received no follow-up.

International organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, have expressed concern over the lack of pressure from Israel’s allies, particularly the United States. The killing of Abu Akleh sent a message that Israel could carry out attacks on journalists without consequence.

Source: Al Jazeera