After reviewing the facts and evidence in the case of the deaths of Maram Abu Ismail and Ibrahim Tahah in the incident which occurred on April 27, 2016 at the Kalandia Checkpoint along the Jerusalem border, the prosecution has decided to shut the case against the civilian security employees involved in the shooting. Evidence probed by the prosecution included statements from those present, video footage and of course the statements from the defendants.

The Jerusalem district prosecutor has decided there is insufficient evidence to support a case against the civilian security personnel who fired at and killed the two PA (Palestinian Authority) residents.

One of the slain PA residents brandished a knife, which he threw at security personnel. A policeman fired in the air and the two security agents fired at the two, killing them immediately.

The video backed the testimony of the guards who explained the actions and body language of the suspects elicited their suspicions as the PA residents were approaching the checkpoint. It also showed the sister of one of them, who was accompanying them, also pulled a knife and threw it at security personnel.

Nevertheless, the prosecution felt the video showed Ibrahim may have been trying to backtrack after throwing the knife, but then realized from the view of the security agent this could not be detected so his firing was possibly justified.

It was ruled there is insufficient evidence to file charges against either of the two security agents. It was determined the first only fired one shot and it was in self-defense. The second however, the one who fired at both of the PA residents; his actions are questionable but the case is never the less closed and they will not face criminal charges.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)