Public Comment

Contrary to their earlier statement claiming Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was likely shot by a Palestinian, Israel now admits Shireen was likely shot by an Israeli sniper during its raid in the Occupied West Bank. Shireen wore a helmet and was wearing a jacket marked “PRESS”. This flip-flopping by Israel comes after months of outrage by Akleh’s family and human rights activists around the world. To add insult to injury, Israel stated that the soldier who fired the fatal shot will not be held accountable. 

Akleh’s niece, Lina Abu Akleh, who was denied a meeting with Biden during his visit to Israel, exploded with anger at Israel’s dismissal of her aunt’s murder. 

It is outrageous that the United States by its silence condones the appalling injustice toward Palestinians under a draconian and illegal occupation. 

Investigations by The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post and other media outlets also challenge the official Israeli version of Akleh’s killing. The Times reported that contrary to the Israeli version of events, “there were no armed Palestinians near her when she was shot,”. In Ramallah, Al Jazeera’s West Bank bureau chief also rejected Israeli claims about the killing. Biden should break his silence and order an immediate investigation into Akleh’s killing. It is also time the US live up to its claim to be a “shining city” and halt all further aid to apartheid Israel.