America opens an investigation into the killing of Sherine Abu Aqleh, and Israel confirms support for its soldiers and refusal to cooperate

The Israeli Army Radio reported that the Americans informed the Israeli Ministry of Justice to open an investigation in Washington regarding the death of Al-Jazeera correspondent Sherine Abu Aqleh, while Tel Aviv informed the US side of its refusal to cooperate with any external investigation.

And the Israeli Army Radio indicated that Washington had informed the Israeli Ministry of Justice of the possibility of requesting materials to investigate the death of Abu Aqelah.

The Haaretz newspaper quoted sources as saying that the United States had told Israel that it would open an investigation into the killing of the Al-Jazeera correspondent.

The newspaper stated that 57 US lawmakers sent a letter to the FBI director and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, demanding an investigation into Sherine's murder.

The letter emphasized that Sherine Abu Aqleh, as an American citizen, has the right to the full protections afforded to Americans living abroad.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority also quoted Sherine's brother as saying, "The American authorities informed us to open an investigation, which is what we demanded from the beginning."

Courageous correspondence

For its part, Axios said that the US investigation regarding Sherine Abu Aqelah is very unusual, and could result in a request to investigate the soldiers who participated in the operation.

The site added, quoting sources, that Israel would almost certainly reject the American request to investigate its soldiers if Washington submitted it.

In the same context, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz confirmed that Tel Aviv had informed the American side that it would not cooperate with any external investigation, and that it stood behind its soldiers.

Gantz said that the Israeli army conducted a "professional and independent" investigation and presented its results to the American side in all its details.

In the same context, a spokesman for the US National Security Council said that Sherine was not only an American citizen, but also a courageous reporter who won the respect of all.

He added that the United States will not comment on issues related to law enforcement, and our hearts are with the Abu Aqel family, as he put it.

In turn, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen considered that this step is long overdue, but it is necessary to achieve justice and accountability for Sherine's killing.