(RepublicanInformer.com)- Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar criticized the assassination of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on Wednesday.
The progressive politician said that the Israeli military assassinated her after identifying herself as a journalist. She noted that Israel receives $3.8 billion in yearly unrestricted military funding and then asked how many human rights abuses it takes to be held accountable?
Abu Akleh, a well-known Al Jazeera journalist, was killed while documenting Israeli operations in Jenin.
Al Jazeera claimed Israeli soldiers killed Abu Akleh, calling it “an obvious murder.” The news site said that Abu Akleh was slain while wearing press gear.
According to eyewitnesses and the PNA, Israeli soldiers shot and killed Abu Akleh.
Officials from Israel did not take responsibility. Naftali Bennett suggested Palestinians may have shot Abu Akleh. Later, Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Aviv Kochavi stated it’s “not feasible” to ascertain who killed her.
On Wednesday, Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib condemned the murder.
“When will the world and those who stand by Apartheid Israel that continues to murder, torture, and commit war crimes finally say: ‘Enoughâ?
Tlaib said that Shireen Abu Akleh was assassinated by a regime funded unconditionally by our nation.
Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, condemned the incident but did not blame Israel.
“Psaki wrote on Twitter that the White House is saddened by the news of Shireen Abu Akleh’s death and producer Ali Samoudi’s injuries in the West Bank. We mourn her loss and firmly condemn her murder.
She said the Biden administration would continue to defend journalists’ right to work without fear of violence, threats to their lives or safety, or arbitrary arrest. Her death is a tragedy and a blow to media freedom.
According to State Department spokesman Ned Price, the Biden administration will not seek an independent probe saying that the Israelis can make a complete, comprehensive inquiry.
Nancy Pelosi termed Abu Akleh’s killing a “horrific tragedy” and demanded a “thorough, objective inquiry.”
The murder comes amid tense US-Israeli ties. Long taboo in Washington, progressive Democrats are increasingly critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
Some of these opponents want the US to start tying aid to Israel to the occupation and peace process. This puts President Joe Biden at odds with some Democrats on Israel, and he’s been pressured to take a more rigid stand against Israeli human rights atrocities.
During last year’s Israel-Hamas war, Biden drew harsh criticism from Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Ocasio-Cortez and other leftists accused Biden of disregarding the root causes of the violence and extreme Israeli military measures.
Human rights groups accused Israel and Hamas of committing war crimes last year. UN estimates 260 Palestinians were murdered in Gaza during the 11-day battle in May 2021, including 129 civilians and 66 children. In the same period, 12 Israeli citizens died.
