FBI’s lack of progress on Israeli killing of journalist ‘troubling’: CPJ | Media News
CPJ Calls for Update on FBI Investigation into Journalist’s Death
Published May 8, 2026
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has requested a public update from U.S. authorities regarding the FBI’s investigation into the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist for Al Jazeera, who was shot in the occupied West Bank in 2022. In an open letter addressed to the Department of Justice and FBI Director Kash Patel, CPJ officials stated that the case has shown “effectively stagnant status,” which they argue undermines the security of U.S. citizens abroad.
Abu Akleh, 51, was killed on May 11, 2022, while covering Israeli military operations in Jenin. Reports indicate she was wearing attire clearly identifying her as a member of the press at the time of her death.
The CPJ letter emphasized that the U.S. government’s lack of progress in addressing the killing of one of its citizens by a foreign military represents a failure of duty. They pointed out the absence of formal witness interviews despite the willingness of several individuals to cooperate and the lack of visible FBI efforts to gather evidence in Israel or Palestine.
Initial claims by the Israeli military suggested that Palestinian gunmen were responsible for Abu Akleh’s death. However, later statements acknowledged the “high possibility” that Israeli forces may have been the source of the gunfire. Independent investigations by multiple news organizations, including CNN, The Associated Press, and The Washington Post, found that she was likely targeted.
CPJ has urged for transparency in the ongoing investigation, seeking a publicly accessible status update, a timeline for next steps, and the release of findings. They have also called for an investigation that is impartial and free from political influence.
Abu Akleh’s family commented on the situation, expressing that “justice remains elusive” and that the ongoing lack of accountability sends a troubling message about the risks faced by journalists.
Her death has become emblematic of broader issues surrounding the Palestinian struggle, with murals commemorating her scattered throughout the occupied territories, emphasizing her legacy of courageous reporting.
According to CPJ, the situation for journalists in the region remains dire, with 258 journalists and media workers killed in Israel and Palestine since Abu Akleh’s death. Israel has admitted to killing some journalists, alleging ties to armed groups, though those claims are dismissed by the respective news organizations and labeled as “deadly smears” by CPJ.
Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director, condemned the culture of impunity surrounding such killings, asserting that without genuine accountability, attacks against journalists are likely to persist.
