The Palestinian Authority has demanded that Israel hand over the gun used in the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, marking the 40th anniversary of her assassination. Palestinians assert that the bullet was fired by an Israeli soldier, rejecting an Israeli request for a joint investigation, insisting that all "indications, evidence, and witnesses confirm her assassination by Israeli special units." Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh stated during a ceremony held in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, "We refused to hand over the bullet, and we demand that they deliver the gun that assassinated Shireen Abu Akleh."
Abu Akleh was killed on May 11 when a bullet pierced the protective helmet she was wearing; she also wore a protective vest designated for journalists while covering an Israeli operation on the outskirts of the Jenin refugee camp. The Palestinian Authority refuses to conduct a joint investigation with the Israeli side but does not oppose an international inquiry.
Last week, Al Jazeera aired a photo of a bullet it claimed was the one used to kill Abu Akleh, noting that this type of bullet can penetrate armor and is used by the Israeli army. The Palestinian attorney general announced at the end of last month, following an internal investigation, that the Israeli army was responsible for the journalist's death, stating she was shot by an Israeli soldier using a sniper rifle.
For his part, Al Jazeera's director in the Palestinian territories, Walid al-Omari, pointed out that the question today "is no longer about the identity of the killer." Al-Omari stated that Al Jazeera has decided to pursue those responsible for the killing in all international legal bodies.
Meanwhile, Abu Akleh's family continues to demand an investigation into their daughter's death and accountability for the perpetrators. Her brother, Anton Abu Akleh, said during the memorial service, "We ask for nothing but justice for Shireen." Hundreds of participants at the memorial, held at the Ramallah Cultural Palace, which included an exhibition of the journalist's photos, signed a petition urging international bodies to expedite the investigation into the killing.
The Israeli army announced last month that there was no immediate criminal suspicion, according to a preliminary investigation it conducted. The Israeli police announced on Friday that they had concluded an internal investigation into their intervention during Abu Akleh's funeral on May 13, but did not disclose the results.
Footage showing Israeli police attacking her funeral procession sparked widespread condemnation worldwide, as police attempted to prevent mourners from raising Palestinian flags or chanting national slogans. Abu Akleh's coffin nearly fell to the ground from the hands of the pallbearers after they were beaten with batons by Israeli police, who also detained some of them.
