Yesterday, the US State Department released its findings on the killing of Shireen Abu Aqleh:
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.
I have mixed thoughts about this. On one hand, they seem to be desperate to somehow point the finger at Israel, perhaps to placate the angry hordes. How else do you reconcile their admission they could not determine the origin of the bullet with their conclusion we were likely responsible?
On the other hand, they were clear they did not believe we shot her intentionally, which flies in the face of all those antisemites who stated unequivocally that we assassinated her. Not only that, but the mention of the context of our operation in Jenin following “a series of terrorist attacks in Israel” is significant.
Not surprisingly, the PA are furious.
The fact they are sticking to the story we assassinated her speaks volumes.
Remember, an initial autopsy of her body by palestinian Arab coroners also found that it was “not possible” to tell whether she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire. Then the PA changed their tune, while refusing to hand over the bullet for testing. Now, after finally handing over the bullet and receiving an answer they did not like, they are dismissing it. It goes to show you that they lie, and have absolutely no interest in the truth – just in demonizing Israel.
Just like they really have absolutely no interest in living in peace with us but rather destroying what all we have built and having this area judenrein.
