Israeli military requests video footage of boy’s killing

by John Smith - IMEMC

Israeli army authorities have requested that a French television network hand over unedited video footage of the death of Mohammed Al-Dura, who was killed in the Gaza Strip in September 2000 in one of the most controversial incidents of the second Intifada.

Mohammed Al-Dura seek cover behind his father

Live footage of a young boy and his father taking cover during an exchange of fire between Israeli army forces and local Palestinian Resistance fighters, and subsequently apparently being killed by gunfire, shocked the world when it was broadcast.

The report accompanying the footage, based on personal testimonies and eyewitnesses accounts, stated that gunfire had come from Israeli positions – an account initially supported by Israeli army statements.

The Israeli army has thus far declined to comment on the reasons why they are seeking the footage, and the network in question is yet to make a decision over its release.