Trending:

Palestinian Authority hands bullet that killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh to US for examination

The Palestinian Authority on Saturday handed the bullet that killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh to the United States for examination. The US authorities assured the Palestinian Authority that no modification would be made to the bullet

TN World Desk

Updated Jul 3, 2022, 06:39 IST

Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh (File image)

Photo : AP

Tel Aviv: The Palestinian Authority on Saturday handed the bullet that killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh to forensic experts in the United States for examination. Palestinians handed over the bullet to prove that the bullet was fired by an Israeli soldier.

According to AFP, the US authorities assured the Palestinian Authority that no modification would be made to the bullet that killed the journalist during an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian Attorney General Akram Al-Khatib told the news agency that the bullet would be returned as soon as after the completion of the assessment. Notably, Akleh was killed on May 11. She was wearing a vest marked "Press" and a helmet.

Also Read: Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh killed by Israeli fire, says UN; calls for criminal inquiry

The journalist was allegedly shot by an Israeli soldier when she was covering an Israeli army operation in Jenin camp in the northern West Bank. She was reportedly hit by a bullet below her helmet.

The official Palestinian investigation found that Akleh was killed with a 5.56 millimetre armour-piercing round that was fired from a Ruger Mini-14 rifle. Last month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to an independent investigation would be carried out and would pursue accountability depending on the facts.

"We are looking for an independent, credible investigation. When that investigation happens, we will follow the facts, wherever they lead. It's as straightforward as that," Blinken said as quoted by AFP. However, Israel denied Palestine's claim. Earlier, Israel had also asked the Palestinian Authority to give it the bullet. However, Palestinians rejected Israel's request.

Latest News