Israel cannot investigate killing

TOGETHER with the cold-blooded murder of Al-Jazeerah journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, the violence that erupted at Abu Akleh’s funeral procession need to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

The Israeli forces’ disgraceful attack on pallbearers that violates all values, norms and international laws will be remembered forever. The Israeli violence against the funeral procession resembles the apartheid-era police actions in South Africa and highlights the brutality of the Israeli occupation. How much more suffering and pain must the Palestinians endure?

Repeatedly it has been recorded that the Israeli military operate with impunity in Palestine, not only targeting and persecuting Palestinians, but also aid workers, journalists and human rights activists, without justification or reason. When will Israeli soldiers or military officials be held accountable for their evil and abuses? History has shown there is hardly ever any justice served for oppressing Palestinians.

Hence, like other human rights activists, I have little to no confidence in an investigation into Abu Akleh’s killing by the Israeli regime. Israel cannot investigate the murder. An international independent investigation into Abu Akleh’s killing is urgently needed, as journalists provide an essential service.

There is no balance between the Palestinian struggle for liberation and the Zionist colonisers, occupiers and ethnic cleansers. Israeli crimes of apartheid and other human rights violations must be pursued in the International Criminal Court. MOHAMED SAEED | Pietermaritzburg