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The Al Jazeera journalist shot dead during an Israeli raid on a West Bank refugee camp in May was “likely” killed by gunfire from Israeli troops. But according to the State Department, investigators could not reach a “definite conclusion” on who fired the headshot that fell Shireen Abu Akleh.
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In a statement published Monday, the U.S. Department of State said an independent third party’s “extremely detailed forensics analysis” determined the bullet that killed the veteran reporter was too badly damaged to provide a clear answer.
Investigators were reportedly granted “full access” to findings by Israeli Defense Forces and the Palestinian Authority. They determined gunfire from an Israel Defense Forces position was “likely responsible” for Abu Akleh’s death, but “found no reason to believe that this was intentional,” the statement said.
[ Justice for a truth-teller: An impartial investigation and real consequences must follow Al Jazeera journalist’s killing ]
Al Jazeera reports Abu Akleh’s family said it is “incredulous” that Israel wasn’t implicated in the U.S. investigation and intends “to hold the Israeli military and government accountable” for her death.
The State Department stated that it intends to continue working with Israelis and Palestinians to “urge accountability” in Abu Akleh’s death. U.S. officials also expressed condolences to the family of the 51-year-old East Jerusalem native, who became an American citizen with the help of family members residing in New Jersey.
The Israeli raid followed a series of attacks in Israel. Abu Akleh died wearing a bulletproof vest with “PRESS” emblazoned upon it.
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