Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was shot and killed by Israeli forces during a demonstration against illegal settlements in the West Bank. Her family called for an independent inquiry into her killing, questioning the adequacy of an Israeli probe. Eygi, a member of the International Solidarity Movement, was described as a passionate human rights activist who was peacefully standing for justice.
The Israeli military claimed they fired at Eygi after she hurled rocks at them during the protest, but witnesses disputed this, stating that she was shot by a sniper while moving into an olive grove. The ISM, which Eygi was a part of, denied allegations that activists threw rocks at Israeli forces, insisting that the demonstration was peaceful.
President Joe Biden’s administration expressed deep concern over Eygi’s death and requested an Israeli investigation. However, Eygi’s advocates doubt the effectiveness of an Israeli inquiry in providing clarity and accountability. The family of Eygi has urged the US to conduct an independent investigation into her killing, emphasizing the need for full accountability.
Eygi’s death is not the first instance of a US citizen being killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank. The family of Eygi, along with UN officials and human rights activists, are calling for a thorough investigation and for measures to be taken to protect civilians in such situations. US Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized the Biden administration for not doing enough to pursue justice and accountability for Americans killed in the West Bank.
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