The IDF Responds to Investigations Regarding the Death of Ms. Shireen Abu Akleh

Following the biased investigations that have been presented in recent days, the IDF once again reiterates its call to the Palestinians to share access to the bullet with which the Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed.

The Palestinian Authority cooperates with Israel on investigations from time to time. The Palestinians' refusal to transfer the bullet and hold a joint investigation with American representation is telling of their motives.

It should be noted that this was an operational event during which an exchange of fire occurred between IDF soldiers and Palestinian gunmen during counterterrorism activities in Jenin.

Ever since the incident, the IDF has been investigating and reviewing the circumstances of Ms. Abu Akleh’s death.
This week, IDF Chief of the General Staff, LTG Aviv Kohavi, ordered an expansion of the investigation into the exchange of fire in which Ms. Abu Akleh was killed on May 11th, 2022. The Chief of the General Staff decided to expand the investigation into the incident, in order to deepen the understanding of documentations of the events on May 11th. For this purpose, a senior officer with technological expertise from the Intelligence Directorate was added to the investigative team.

The IDF investigation clearly concludes that Ms. Abu Akleh was not intentionally shot by an IDF soldier and that it is not possible to determine whether she was killed by a Palestinian gunman shooting indiscriminately in her area or inadvertently by an IDF soldier.

The IDF regrets harm to non-combatants, including during exchanges of fire and active combat situations, and is heavily invested in maintaining the movement and freedom of the press.