Colonel says US watered down report on Shireen Abu Akleh’s killing
Colonel says US watered down report on Shireen Abu Akleh’s killing
**Former Military Analyst Alleges US Report Underplayed Evidence of Intent in Abu Akleh Shooting**
Washington D.C. – A former U.S. military analyst is alleging that a U.S. government report on the death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh significantly downplayed evidence suggesting the fatal shot fired by an Israeli soldier was intentional. The claim, made by retired Colonel Steve Gabavics, casts a shadow over the findings of the U.S. assessment, which concluded that gunfire from Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) was likely responsible for Abu Akleh’s death but found no reason to believe the shooting was intentional.
Abu Akleh, a veteran reporter for Al Jazeera, was killed on May 11, 2022, while covering an IDF raid in Jenin, a city in the West Bank. Her death sparked international outrage and calls for a thorough and impartial investigation. The IDF initially suggested Palestinian militants might have been responsible, but later acknowledged that there was a high possibility she was unintentionally shot by an Israeli soldier.
The U.S. State Department, after reviewing the IDF’s investigation and conducting its own independent assessment, released a statement concluding that gunfire from IDF positions was “likely responsible” for Abu Akleh’s death. However, the statement explicitly stated that there was “no reason to believe that this was intentional but rather the result of tragic circumstances during an IDF-led military operation.”
Gabavics’ allegations challenge this conclusion. While he has not publicly disclosed the specific evidence he believes was disregarded, his claim suggests a potential disconnect between the information available to U.S. analysts and the final assessment presented by the State Department. The former Colonel’s background lends weight to his assertion, given his extensive experience in military intelligence and analysis.
The controversy surrounding Abu Akleh’s death has further strained relations between the U.S. and the Palestinian Authority. Palestinian officials have consistently maintained that Abu Akleh was deliberately targeted by Israeli forces and have rejected the U.S. findings as insufficient. They have called for an independent international investigation, a demand that has so far been unmet.
The incident also continues to fuel debate within the United States, with some members of Congress calling for greater transparency and accountability from both the Israeli government and the U.S. State Department. Critics argue that the U.S. government’s response has been unduly cautious, potentially undermining efforts to promote human rights and protect journalists operating in conflict zones.
The State Department has not yet responded directly to Gabavics’ specific allegations. However, officials have previously stated that the U.S. assessment was based on a thorough review of available evidence, including ballistic analysis, witness statements, and reports from both the IDF and the Palestinian Authority. They maintain that the conclusion that the shooting was likely unintentional reflects the best available information.
The allegations made by Gabavics are likely to intensify scrutiny of the U.S. government’s handling of the Abu Akleh case. They raise important questions about the objectivity and completeness of the U.S. assessment, and could further erode trust in the process. As calls for a truly independent and transparent investigation continue, the controversy surrounding Abu Akleh’s death remains a significant challenge to international efforts to promote peace and justice in the region.
This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.
