- The family of Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed in May, blames Israel for her death.
- Al Jazeera correspondent was shot dead as she covered an operation in the West Bank.
- A United Nations investigation has blamed Israeli security forces for the journalist’s death.
Joe Biden is receiving criticism from the family of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist; who died in May while covering an Israeli operation in the occupied West Ban;, as he makes his first trip to Israel as president of the United States. Although the Biden administration has invited the family to visit Washington; the killing of the Al Jazeera journalist caused widespread outcry; and Abu Akleh’s niece told, that they believe justice has not been done.
As Abu Akleh lay lifeless on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head; cameras caught her last moments. To approach her and provide first aid, would-be rescuers had to avoid bullets; that were still whizzing through the air, but it was too late.
Just four days after the tragedy, Shireen’s niece, Lina Abu Akleh, told correspondent Ian Lee; “Our immediate reaction to Shireen’s killing was shock, grief, and outrage.”
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Lina said without hesitation, “Israel, undoubtedly,” when asked who she and her family; held responsible for Shireen’s passing. “And they must be held responsible,”
She also demands an explanation for the pandemonium that occurred during her aunt’s burial in Jerusalem; when Israeli police assaulted mourners and nearly toppled the coffin; containing Abu Akleh’s body.
Two months later, a UN inquiry concluded that the journalist’s murder was caused by Israeli security personnel; while Israeli officials claim they have not come to a conclusive decision.
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