US lawmakers demand justice for journalist injured in Israeli strike that killed another
The US Capitol is once again echoing with calls for accountability after a 2023 Israeli double-tap strike in south Lebanon left an American journalist wounded and another journalist from Reuters dead. While two years have passed since the incident, Dylan Collins is still seeking answers on who pulled the trigger.
Collins, who suffered multiple shrapnel wounds during the attack, has been joined by US lawmakers Peter Welch, Becca Balint, and Chris Van Hollen in demanding justice for the incident. The lawmakers are pushing for an explanation of the military orders that led to the deadly strike, which injured six journalists and killed Reuters video reporter Issam Abdallah.
Welch claimed that Israel's investigation into the attack was "non-investigation" and had failed to provide any evidence that questioned soldiers were involved. He also stated that his seventh letter to the US Department of State has been sent, accusing Israel of obfuscation.
The lawmakers have vowed to continue pushing for accountability in this case, which is part of a broader pattern of impunity for attacks on Americans and journalists by the government of Israel. Collins described the attack as "unfathomable in its brutality" and said that it seemed like a war crime carried out in broad daylight.
US officials, including former State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, have repeatedly invoked alleged Israeli investigations, but no soldiers have been held accountable for the deadly strike.
In October, Israeli authorities claimed that they had investigated the attack and ruled the shooting unintentional, but provided no evidence that they questioned soldiers. They also never contacted key witnesses, including Collins and other survivors of the strike.
The incident is particularly disturbing given Israel's long history of killing journalists without accountability. At least 10 US citizens have been killed by Israeli forces over the past decade.
Israeli officials have consistently stonewalled requests for information on the attack, despite repeated calls from lawmakers and human rights organizations to hold those responsible accountable.
As Collins noted, "If the intention was to stop people from covering the war, then it has worked to some degree." The incident has had a chilling effect on journalists who are now hesitant to report from conflict zones.
The US Capitol is once again echoing with calls for accountability after a 2023 Israeli double-tap strike in south Lebanon left an American journalist wounded and another journalist from Reuters dead. While two years have passed since the incident, Dylan Collins is still seeking answers on who pulled the trigger.
Collins, who suffered multiple shrapnel wounds during the attack, has been joined by US lawmakers Peter Welch, Becca Balint, and Chris Van Hollen in demanding justice for the incident. The lawmakers are pushing for an explanation of the military orders that led to the deadly strike, which injured six journalists and killed Reuters video reporter Issam Abdallah.
Welch claimed that Israel's investigation into the attack was "non-investigation" and had failed to provide any evidence that questioned soldiers were involved. He also stated that his seventh letter to the US Department of State has been sent, accusing Israel of obfuscation.
The lawmakers have vowed to continue pushing for accountability in this case, which is part of a broader pattern of impunity for attacks on Americans and journalists by the government of Israel. Collins described the attack as "unfathomable in its brutality" and said that it seemed like a war crime carried out in broad daylight.
US officials, including former State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, have repeatedly invoked alleged Israeli investigations, but no soldiers have been held accountable for the deadly strike.
In October, Israeli authorities claimed that they had investigated the attack and ruled the shooting unintentional, but provided no evidence that they questioned soldiers. They also never contacted key witnesses, including Collins and other survivors of the strike.
The incident is particularly disturbing given Israel's long history of killing journalists without accountability. At least 10 US citizens have been killed by Israeli forces over the past decade.
Israeli officials have consistently stonewalled requests for information on the attack, despite repeated calls from lawmakers and human rights organizations to hold those responsible accountable.
As Collins noted, "If the intention was to stop people from covering the war, then it has worked to some degree." The incident has had a chilling effect on journalists who are now hesitant to report from conflict zones.
. I mean, can you imagine if someone did that to you? You're just trying to do your job and suddenly you get caught in the crossfire... it's insane 
. And to think Israel's investigation was basically a joke, with no evidence to even question soldiers' involvement 
. It's like they just want to sweep this under the rug and move on 
. The fact that US officials keep bringing up "alleged" investigations but nothing concrete comes out is really frustrating 
. And honestly, it's not like Collins is asking for much - he just wants some answers about who gave the order 
. Can't we expect some accountability from our allies? It's time to hold Israel accountable for their actions 
.
just seen this news and its really got me thinking about the state of journalism around the world 
. and to think that the person who was injured in this latest incident is still waiting for answers 
. whats wrong with governments being transparent and holding people accountable for their actions? its not too much to ask for basic human rights 
.
I know Israel says they investigated it, but if that's really true, then why ain't nobody held accountable? 
It's like, we all knew this was gonna happen at some point. We gotta stand up for our journalists, you feel me? 
They're the ones who go into the thick of it to tell us what's going on. And now they're the ones getting hurt... it just don't sit right with me 
I mean come on... two years gone and no one's held accountable for taking out those journalists? 
The fact that journalists are now too scared to report from conflict zones is a real tragedy - we need more people like Dylan Collins who aren't afraid to speak truth to power. 
i'm so sick of the lack of accountability 
this is getting out of hand
.
. This isn't just about the two journalists who were killed; it's about the safety and security of journalists everywhere 
.
& now he's still trying 2 get answers after TWO YEARS 
. The fact that US officials are just citing some non-existent investigation as proof is just lame 
. Something needs to change, and fast 
!
And don't even get me started on the fact that Israeli authorities have consistently refused to provide any information or cooperate with witnesses... like, how can you expect people to trust the justice system if they're not going to play by the rules?! 
this is so messed up 
if it wasn't, they wouldn't be avoiding witnesses like crazy 
and not sharing any evidence with anyone 
. And what really gets me is that they're stonewalling requests for info on the whole thing... it's like they're trying to hide something