PALESTINE

Fri 12 May 2023 5:58 pm - Jerusalem Time

Washington closes the file of the assassination of Abu Aqel

Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, Vedant Patel, said that the US government has accepted the findings of the Israeli occupation authorities' investigation and was endorsed by the US Security Coordinator, General Michael Finzel, closing the file on the Israeli occupation authorities' crime in the circumstances of the assassination of Palestinian-American journalist Sherine Abu Aqleh.


Patel said, in response to a question by Al-Quds.com reporter, about the level of the investigation regarding Shirin's murder: "Let me say a few things about this matter: First, we condemned Shirin's murder when it happened a year ago and we condemn it today as well. And we continue to do so." Pursue accountability to ensure steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future, and we continue to engage when it comes to the rules of engagement not only with our Israeli partners but with others in other areas where journalists may find themselves in harm's way. We continue to stress the importance of accountability when it comes to killing her."


Patel added, "The findings from the Israeli military as well as the findings we discussed last summer from the US security coordinator continue to indicate that there was no intent to kill in this tragic incident, which we continue to condemn. But I think that's an important part of this." to remember him."


Regarding the ambiguity of the American position, Patel said, "The circumstances surrounding her killing for us, and for our pursuit of accountability, there is a continuation of working with our Israeli partners, with partners around the world, and partners in places where journalists find themselves in harm's way, and discussing these important issues." This is the form of accountability before us, and we will continue to work on these matters," practically closing the file on holding accountable those responsible for Shirin's killing.


When asked by the correspondent of "Al Quds" dot com, regarding what the ministry says to the family of Sherine Abu Aqelah, where are we in this process? And whether there is further investigation planned in this case by the United States of America or if it will end, Patel said: "Shereen's family has gone through something tragic, something horrible, which is the loss of a member of her family. Losing a family member in any way is nothing short of incredible." It's tragic, and sad, and unfortunate, and heartbreaking, and so I'm not going to get into that from here. What I reiterate again is that the United States will continue to pursue accountability, and continue to work with our partners in the region, with Israel, on the rules of engagement, and the steps that are being taken to ensure that that doesn't happen. That again."


It is noteworthy that while the United States called for "accountability" for the killing of journalist Sherine Abu Aqleh last year, Washington's position on the incident is tainted with contradictions, as the US government's definition of "accountability" has changed over time, as has its position on the need for an independent investigation into the killing. Abu Aqleh, who was shot dead by Israeli forces a year ago.


Meanwhile, an alleged US investigation into the incident has not been confirmed, prompting questions from critics about whether President Joe Biden's administration values press freedom and accountability.

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Washington closes the file of the assassination of Abu Aqel

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