A bipartisan coalition of American politicians has called on President Biden's administration to urge the Palestinian Authority to release the bullet that killed journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
The group of representatives, comprised of 14 Democrats and 11 Republicans, released a letter addressed to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken which stated their demands for Palestinian co-operation with the Israeli investigation.
— Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) June 5, 2022
They said: “Without access to the bullet that the Israelis have requested as part of an independent investigation, it is impossible to determine all the facts.
"One-sided releases of information will not get us closer to the truth.”
The group, led by Jewish New Jersey representative Josh Gottheimer, also added: “We urge you to ask the Palestinian Authority to provide access to the forensic evidence in Abu Akleh’s death for an independent investigation so that all parties can reach a definitive conclusion about the events leading to her death, and hold all parties accountable.
"Only an independent investigation can resolve this situation, and provide solace to the families and all parties.”
Shireen Abu Akleh was killed last month in the West Bank city of Jenin during an IDF operation in the area following a wave of terror attacks in Israel. The IDF has said that she was killed in an exchange of fire between IDF troops and Palestinian militants.
Funeral Shireen Abu Akleh Jerusalem
The funeral of Shireen Abu Akleh was marred by violent clashes between Israeli Police and Palestinian mourners (Image via YouTube)
Israeli officials have asked for the Palestinian Authority to co-operate with their investigation into Abu Akleh's death, saying that without access to the bullet they cannot definitively say who fired the fatal round.
A Palestinian investigation, which concluded on May 26, alleges that Abu Akleh was intentionally killed by an Israeli troop with a high-velocity bullet. Israel has hit back on suggestions the killing was deliberate, calling the accusation "a blatant lie."
The US state department has also called for a full investigation, after rejecting calls from lawmakers to start an FBI inquiry.
Israeli ambassador the US Michael Herzog said: "Israel has, from the outset, called for an impartial joint Israeli-Palestinianinvestigation with the U.S. in an observer role. Our call was flatly rejected by the P.A., which is cynically using Ms. Abu Akleh's death to instigate an anti-Israel propaganda campaign. "
"The lack of acknowledgment of Israel's call for an investigation gives room to the false impression that Israel opposes a genuine investigation, while our primary interest is finding the truth."
Israel's health ministry has also announced it would be investigating violent clashes at Abu Akleh's funeral after Israeli police were criticised for deploying tear gas into a crowd during her East Jerusalem funeral procession.
