• The family of Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed in May, blames Israel for her death.
• Al Jazeera correspondent was shot dead as she covered an operation in the West Bank.
• A United Nations investigation has blamed Israeli security forces for the journalist’s death.

Joe Biden is receiving criticism from the family of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist; who died in May while covering an Israeli operation in the occupied West Ban;, as he makes his first trip to Israel as president of the United States. Although the Biden administration has invited the family to visit Washington; the killing of the Al Jazeera journalist caused widespread outcry; and Abu Akleh’s niece told, that they believe justice has not been done.

As Abu Akleh lay lifeless on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head; cameras caught her last moments. To approach her and provide first aid, would-be rescuers had to avoid bullets; that were still whizzing through the air, but it was too late.

Just four days after the tragedy, Shireen’s niece, Lina Abu Akleh, told correspondent Ian Lee; “Our immediate reaction to Shireen’s killing was shock, grief, and outrage.”

[embedpost slug=”us-invites-slain-al-jazeera-journalists-family-to-washington-official”]

Lina said without hesitation, “Israel, undoubtedly,” when asked who she and her family; held responsible for Shireen’s passing. “And they must be held responsible,”

She also demands an explanation for the pandemonium that occurred during her aunt’s burial in Jerusalem; when Israeli police assaulted mourners and nearly toppled the coffin; containing Abu Akleh’s body.

Two months later, a UN inquiry concluded that the journalist’s murder was caused by Israeli security personnel; while Israeli officials claim they have not come to a conclusive decision.

[embedpost slug=”slain-al-jazeera-reporters-kin-ask-to-meet-biden-on-mideast-trip”]