After the Palestinian Authority finally handed over the bullet that killed the Al-Jazeera journalist to the United States for investigation, the U.S. State Department made a very shocking statement. 

Statement from the U.S. State Department Spokesman Ned Price

“After an extremely detailed forensic analysis, independent, third-party examiners, as part of a process overseen by the U.S. Security Coordinator (USSC), could not reach a definitive conclusion regarding the origin of the bullet that killed Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Ballistic experts determined the bullet was badly damaged, which prevented a clear conclusion. In addition to the forensic and ballistic analysis, the USSC was granted full access to both Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian Authority (PA) investigations over the last several weeks”

“By summarizing both investigations, the USSC concluded that gunfire from IDF positions was likely responsible for the death of Shireen Abu Akleh.  The USSC found no reason to believe that this was intentional but rather the result of tragic circumstances during an IDF-led military operation against factions of Palestinian Islamic Jihad on May 11, 2022, in Jenin, which followed a series of terrorist attacks in Israel.

“The United States appreciates and continues to encourage cooperation between Israel and the PA in this important case. We will remain engaged with Israel and the PA on next steps and urge accountability. We again offer our deepest condolences to the Abu Akleh family.”

In Other Words:

  • After a detailed analysis, they concluded that it is impossible to determine who killed Abu Akleh. 
  • Therefore, their official conclusion is that the IDF is responsible for accidentally shooting Abu Akleh.

What is Happening Here?

This appears to be a case of the Biden Administration cozying up to the Palestinians in preparation for Biden’s visit to the Middle East, trying to appease and make the Palestinians happy at all costs. Biden is reportedly planning to visit Palestinian hospitals and institutions while he is here in Israel. The Biden Administration’s official policy is pro-Palestinian state and a two-state solution. 

Responses from Israel’s Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said:

“Tragically, hundreds of journalists have been killed in recent years in combat zones around the world. The State of Israel recognizes the importance of freedom of the press and safeguarding journalists as they carry out their duties.” At the same time, he continued, “The IDF will continue fighting terror whenever and wherever necessary.” As prime minister of Israel, he said, “I give full and unequivocal backing to the IDF soldiers who risk their lives to defend the citizens of Israel from terrorism and who work around the clock for the security of Israel.”

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said:

“It is important to emphasize that during this operational event, as in many others, hundreds of bullets were fired at IDF troops, who responded with fire of their own—only in the direction of the sources of fire. Our troops and their commanders have the duty to defend the citizens of the State of Israel, and they have my full support to operate accordingly. At the same time, we … take all the possible measures to prevent harm to uninvolved civilians, while enabling freedom of the press.”

Al-Jazeera’s False Reporting About Shireen Abu Akleh

Investigations and video evidence show that there were no armed Palestinians in the area where Shireen Abu-Akleh was killed. The IDF was in the middle of a war with Palestinian Islamic Jihadist, so they’re saying these jihadists didn’t have guns? There are videos of terrorists shooting, and shouting that they had just shot someone.

Combat Journalist Statistics

Here are some statistics about how many combat journalists have been killed in the last thirty years:

  • Since 1990 there have been 2,600 combat journalists killed in action
  • 700 have been killed by US forces
  • 11 journalists killed were from Al-Jazeera
  • Zero investigations have been made on any of these, until now

Justin Hilton

Justin Hilton is from Virginia Beach, VA and has lived almost full time in Israel since 2016. He works for HaYovel and The Israel Guys as Studio Producer and Content Manager. He is also an article author, photographer and customer support representative. Once a week, he hosts a show on The Israel Guys network.

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