The U.S. State Department said that the forensic investigation into the bullet that killed Palestinian Al Jazeera television correspondent Shirin Abu Aqileh has not identified the source of the bullet, but that Abu Aqileh was likely shot by Israeli forces.
In a written statement on the death of journalist Shirin Abu Aqileh, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said, “In a highly detailed forensic analysis conducted as part of a process overseen by the US Security Coordinator, independent, third-party examiners were unable to reach a definitive conclusion about the source of the bullet that killed Palestinian-American journalist Shirin Abu Aqileh. The ballistic analysis was inconclusive due to the heavy damage to the bullet.”
In addition to forensic and ballistic analysis, Price stated that in the last few weeks, both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Palestinian Authority have granted the US Security Coordinator full access to the investigation:
“After reviewing both investigations, the Security Coordinator concluded that Shirin Abu Aqile’s death was likely caused by projectiles from Israel Defense Forces positions.”
“The US will be in contact with Israel and Palestine”
Noting that the forensic investigation found no evidence of intent, Price described the incident as “the result of tragic circumstances during an Israel Defense Forces military operation in Jenin.”
Spokesperson Price said the United States would engage with Israel and the Palestinian Authority on next steps and encourage accountability.
