IDF Says Forensic Analysis Of Bullet That Killed Al Jazeera Reporter Yielded Inconclusive Results

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An Israeli team that conducted ballistic analysis tests on the bullet that killed Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh reached inconclusive results, according to a statement released by the Israel Defense Forces on Monday.

“The physical condition of the bullet does not allow for a conclusive determination regarding the source of fire that led to the death of the journalist,” the statement said.

“This past Saturday, the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (USSC) received the bullet that was alleged to have killed the journalist Shireen Abu Akleh from Palestinian authorities in order to conduct a professional and impartial ballistic examination,” the statement continued. “The bullet remained under the custodianship of Lieutenant General ( * * * ) Michael R. Fenzel after receiving it from the Palestinian authorities until it was returned yesterday (Sunday) after the examination was conducted.”

The statement added that the probe was conducted in a forensic laboratory in Israel and that “USSC representatives were present throughout the entire process.”

The IDF also noted that its own internal investigation “concluded that the source of the fire that led to the death of Ms. Abu Akleh could not be determined based on the available information.” The military emphasized that “no IDF soldier deliberately fired” at the journalist.

For its part, the U.S. State Department released a statement saying, “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.”

The State Department nevertheless said that, based on information provided by both the Israeli and Palestinian sides, “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,” the statement said, “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.”

In this respect, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid made clear that, “The IDF will continue fighting terror whenever and wherever necessary,” according to a statement released by his office. “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,” the statement said.

“As Prime Minister of Israel, 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,” it added. JNS

Shireen Abu Akleh, one month on: 'The days have not passed' |  Israel-Palestine conflict News | Al Jazeera


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