Shireen Abu Akleh’s death: Palestinian probe finds ‘the only shooting was by occupation forces'

A Palestinian investigation into the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has found that Israeli forces intentionally shot at the journalist, causing her death, BBC reported. The findings are based on examination of the 5.56 mm bullet which struck the journalist, according to the New York Times.

This came a day after CNN released an investigation – based on multiple videos and witness testimonies – alleging that Israeli forces were “shooting directly at journalists”.

On May 11, Abu Akleh was covering raids by Israeli forces at West Bank’s Jenin when she was shot in the head. Her producer Ali Samoudi was also shot at but he survived. The Palestinian health ministry had confirmed that Abu Akleh was rushed to the hospital but died due to a bullet wound. She wore a bulletproof vest, with “Press” written on it.

Palestinian Authority Thursday said that the journalist was killed in a “deliberate murder”. “The only shooting was by the occupation forces, with the aim of killing,” Palestinian attorney general, Akram Al-Khatib, said at a press conference at West Bank’s Ramallah. He said she was shot “while she was trying to escape from the successive gunshots fired by the occupation soldiers”.

Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz, has dismissed the findings by the Palestinian Authority and said that any suggestion that the Israli forces would intentionally harm journalists is a “blatant lie”. He called for the Palestinian Authority to hand over their findings and the bullet to Israel so they can conduct an investigation “in collaboration with international actors”. According to Reuters, Palestinians have refused to participate in a joint probe.

On Thursday, Al Jazeera said in a statement that the network has asked its legal team to send Abu Akleh’s case to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. “The Network vows to follow every path to achieve justice for Shireen, and ensure those responsible for her killing are brought to justice and held accountable in all international justice and legal platforms and courts,” the statement read.