Press advocates are calling for justice on the second anniversary of the death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces while reporting in the West Bank. Advocates argue that the lack of accountability in her killing highlights a wider pattern of impunity in Israel’s attacks on the press.
Abu Akleh, a renowned Al Jazeera journalist and a US citizen, was shot dead while covering an Israeli raid in Jenin on May 11, 2022. Despite initial false claims by then-Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett that Palestinian fighters were responsible, independent reports quickly disproved these allegations.
The lack of accountability for Abu Akleh’s killing has emboldened Israeli forces to continue targeting journalists with impunity. Activists believe that Israel’s ability to get away with killing a prominent journalist like Abu Akleh sends a dangerous message about what is permissible.
The US initially called for accountability in Abu Akleh’s case, but later shifted its position after Israel admitted its soldiers were responsible, dismissing the incident as an accident. The lack of meaningful action by the US has been criticized by advocates, who argue that Israel rarely prosecutes its own soldiers for abuses.
Israel’s attacks on press freedom have escalated with the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The country has targeted Al Jazeera journalists, including killing cameraman Samer Abudaqa in a drone strike and banning the network from operating within its borders.
Advocates, including US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, have condemned the lack of accountability for Abu Akleh’s killing and the broader assault on press freedom in Israel. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called for transparency from the FBI about its investigation into the incident and urged Israel to cooperate with any future probes.
Despite ongoing challenges, Abu Akleh’s family and press advocates remain determined to seek justice for her and other journalists killed by Israeli forces. They are committed to holding Israel accountable for its actions and ensuring that the press can operate freely and without fear of reprisal.
#anniversary #Abu #Akleh #death #press #advocates #push #justice
1. Lack of accountability in Abu Akleh’s killing: Advocates argue that the lack of accountability in the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh reflects a larger pattern of impunity in Israel’s attacks on the press.
2. US response and lack of accountability: The US initially called for accountability in Abu Akleh’s killing but later shifted its position after Israel admitted to the incident, leading to a lack of criminal investigation. The US also opposed calls for an independent probe into the incident, further contributing to the lack of accountability.
3. Israel’s attacks on press freedom: Israel’s attacks on Al Jazeera and other journalists have intensified with the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The ban on Al Jazeera, the killing of journalists, and the lack of accountability for these actions have raised concerns about press freedom in the region.
4. Advocacy for justice: Advocates, including the family of Abu Akleh and organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, continue to push for justice and accountability in Abu Akleh’s killing and other attacks on press freedom in Israel.
5. US military aid to Israel: Despite concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza, the US continues to provide significant military aid to Israel, raising questions about the impact of this aid on Israel’s behavior towards journalists and press freedom.