The IPI global network welcomes the news that the United States has opened an investigation into the killing of Palestinian-American journalist and IPI World Press Freedom Hero Shireen Abu Akleh, who was fatally shot during a raid by Israeli forces in the West Bank in May 2022. IPI urges U.S. authorities to ensure that the investigation is fully transparent, independent, and credible and follows the evidence wherever it leads.聽
Israel confirmed on Monday that the U.S. Department of Justice has launched an FBI investigation into the death of the Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was a U.S. citizen, according to . Israel also made it clear it will not cooperate with any external investigation, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced on . Gantz said Israel will not allow 鈥渋nterference鈥� in the country鈥檚 internal affairs.
News that the US opened an investigation has come after months of pressure by Abu Akleh鈥檚 family as well as press freedom groups, including IPI. In November, IPI joined with four other press freedom groups to publish a full-page ad in the Washington Post calling for an independent, U.S.-led investigation into Abu Akleh鈥檚 killing. At the 海角乱伦大神 in September, IPI members around the world unanimously passed a resolution demanding justice for Abu Akleh and a 鈥渢ransparent, credible, and independent鈥� U.S.-led investigation given Israel鈥檚 鈥渁bject failure鈥� to secure accountability.
Independent media investigations have concluded that Abu Akleh 鈥� known for her fearless and professional reporting on the Palestinian conflict 鈥� was killed by Israeli sniper fire while covering the Israseli raid on a refugee camp in Jenin. She was wearing a vest and a helmet, clearly marked as 鈥減ress.鈥濃��
While initially denying responsibility, the Israeli government in September that there was a 鈥渉igh possibility鈥� that Abu Akleh was hit by its forces, but claimed this was accidental and refused to pursue any further investigation.
In a , Abu Akleh鈥檚 family said they are 鈥渆ncouraged鈥� by the news and 鈥渉ope that the United States will use all of the investigative tools at its disposal to get answers about Shireen鈥檚 killing and hold those who are responsible for this atrocity accountable.鈥�
IPI joins Abu Akleh鈥檚 family in calling for a thorough and credible investigation. 鈥淲e welcome the news of an U.S.-led investigation into the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, which is what IPI and others have been calling for over the past six months鈥�, IPI Deputy Director Scott Griffen said. 鈥淲e now urge the U.S. authorities to ensure that their investigation is credible, transparent, and independent, and that all who are responsible for this horrific killing are brought to justice.鈥�
He added: 鈥淭he Israeli authorities should cooperate fully in this investigation in the interest of ensuring justice for Shireen, her colleagues and family. Impunity should not be tolerated in any circumstances. An attack on a journalist anywhere is an attack on democracy everywhere.鈥�
In August, IPI and International Media Support honoured Abu Akleh with the 2022 World Press Freedom Hero award, noting: 鈥淎bu Akleh dedicated her career to reporting on a range of issues in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, often risking her life to work on the frontlines. She inspired millions across the Arab world with her professionalism and dedication to pursuing the truth.鈥�