3 weeks ago
10
October 23, 2024 | 12:49 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - U.S. lawmakers called on President Joe Biden on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, to authorize an independent investigation into a targeted Israel strike that wounded Dylan Collins, an American journalist working for Agence France-Presse (AFP) in Lebanon last year.
The 35-year-old journalist and AFP’s Christina Assi, who had to have her right leg amputated, were wounded, and Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah was killed by Israeli shellfire while they were reporting in southern Lebanon in October 2023.
Collins took shrapnel to his face, arms, and back when the second tank round struck their position as he was attempting to apply a tourniquet to a colleague's leg.
“It has now been more than one year since Mr. Collins was injured in a targeted Israeli strike while on assignment for AFP. To date, Mr. Collins has received no explanation for the attack, and there have been no steps toward accountability,” the 12 lawmakers—11 Democrats and an independent—wrote.
“Given the inaction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, the United States must open an independent investigation into this incident,” said the letter, which was addressed to US President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Attorney General Merrick Garland.
“The evidence clearly indicates that this was an unlawful direct attack on civilians in which a US citizen was injured and was lucky to survive,” the lawmakers wrote, describing it as “part of a wider pattern of disregard by the Israeli military for the safety of civilians, including journalists and humanitarian aid workers.”
The group of lawmakers, led by Vermont Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch as well as Representative Becca Balint, previously wrote to the State Department in May asking for the agency to open an investigation into the attack, and in its reply, the agency noted that Israel was carrying out its own probe.
The lawmakers said that response "is unacceptable," adding, "The evidence clearly indicates that this was an unlawful direct attack on civilians in which a US citizen was injured and was lucky to survive."
The Lebanon conflict has rapidly escalated in recent weeks, with Israel carrying out extensive strikes at both the border and further inside the neighboring country and launching ground operations.
More than 1,550 people have been killed in bombardment by Israel since it intensified its air campaign on Lebanon last month, according to an AFP tally, while Lebanese authorities say that more than a million people have been displaced.
Meanwhile, the ongoing offensive in Gaza has killed over 42,700 Palestinians, most of whom women and children, injuring nearly 100,300 others, according to local health authorities.
Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its operations in Gaza.
AL ARABIYA | ANADOLU
Editor’s Choice: Survey: 60% of German Citizens Oppose Military Support for Israel
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
E. coli Outbreak Tied to McDonald's Quarter Pounder Kills 1, Sickens Dozens in U.S.
1 jam lalu
One person died and dozens fell ill from E. coli infections linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers in 10 U.S. states.
10 Fastest-Growing Cities in the U.S. by Population Data
5 jam lalu
Small towns dominating, discover the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. where encouraging environments and welcoming communities invite newcomers!
France Warns Lebanon Civil War Could Break Out and Paralyze the Country
6 jam lalu
Lebanon has now become a battlefield between Israel and armed group Hezbollah in recent weeks.
Survey: 60% of German Citizens Oppose Military Support for Israel
7 jam lalu
As the government persists in aiding Israel with military weapons, 60 percent of German citizens, according to a survey, reject the plan.
Blinken Heads to Israel to Revive Gaza Ceasefire Talks After Sinwar Death
23 jam lalu
In his meetings with Israel and Arab countries, Blinken will drill down on "day after" issues, particularly security, governance, and reconstruction.
Macron Calls Netanyahu: 'Death of Hamas Leader Raises Ceasefire Opportunity in Gaza'
23 jam lalu
Macron in a phone call with Netanyahu said the death of Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, raises the opportunity for a ceasefire in Gaza
Israeli Forces Besiege Hospitals in Northern Gaza, Including Indonesian Hospital
1 hari lalu
Israeli military forces besieged hospitals and shelters for displaced people in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday, October 21, 2024.
U.S. Investigates Israeli Military Human Rights Violations Against Palestinian Detainees
1 hari lalu
The US State Department is investigating the Israeli military unit over allegations of sexual abuse against Palestinian detainees in an Israeli detention center.
Israel to Take Legal Action Against France's Immanuel Macron over Naval Trade Show Ban
1 hari lalu
Israeli Foreign Minister said on Sunday that he ordered his ministry to initiate legal action against French President Macron.
Top 10 Highest Rent Cities in the U.S. of 2024, Californian Cities Dominate
1 hari lalu
Here are the top 10 highest-rent cities in the U.S., where the cost of living soars. Discover which urban hubs top the list for pricey housing.
