American activist death in West Bank/ U.S. protester shot by Israeli military/ Eygi shooting investigation/ Newslooks/ Washington/ President Biden expressed outrage over the death of American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was shot by Israeli forces during a protest in the West Bank. The Israeli military claims the shooting was unintentional, but Eygi’s family strongly disputes this. Biden called for full accountability and measures to prevent future incidents.
Biden’s Response to U.S. Activist’s Death: Quick Looks
- Biden’s Outrage: President Biden is deeply saddened and outraged by the shooting of American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi.
- Call for Accountability: Biden urged full accountability from Israel, calling the incident “totally unacceptable.”
- Israeli Investigation: The Israeli military stated that Eygi was likely shot “unintentionally” during a protest, sparking criticism from her family.
- Family’s Response: Eygi’s family rejected the military’s claim of an accidental shooting, condemning the investigation.
- Protest Details: Clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces, subsiding before Eygi was shot.
- Vice President’s Statement: Kamala Harris also emphasized holding all parties accountable for inciting violence in the region.
Biden Demands Accountability After Israeli Forces Kill U.S. Activist
Deep Look
President Joe Biden voiced his outrage and deep sadness over the killing of American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was fatally shot by Israeli forces during a protest against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Eygi, a 26-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and Turkey from Seattle, had joined a demonstration that escalated into violent clashes between Palestinian protestors and Israeli troops. In a statement released early Wednesday, Biden condemned the incident as “totally unacceptable” and stressed the need for full accountability to prevent similar occurrences.
“There must be full accountability,” Biden said, emphasizing that Israel must take stronger measures to ensure such tragedies are avoided. His response underscores the administration’s broader concerns regarding human rights in conflict zones, particularly in the West Bank, where Israeli settlements have long fueled tensions.
The Israeli military acknowledged the shooting on Tuesday, stating that it was likely “indirect and unintentional,” with soldiers mistakenly hitting Eygi during efforts to disperse the protestors. According to the military, the troops had aimed at what they described as the “key instigator of the riot” but hit Eygi by mistake. The military also announced the launch of a criminal investigation into the incident.
Despite this explanation, Eygi’s family was quick to denounce the military’s account. In a strongly worded statement, they expressed their anger, saying, “We are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional.” The family also highlighted what they called the “disregard for human life” demonstrated in the investigation so far. Their statement reflects the deep frustration felt by many families affected by the ongoing violence in the region, where accountability has often been called into question.
Eygi had traveled to the West Bank as part of her commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and protesting against the expansion of Israeli settlements, which the international community largely considers illegal under international law. Her death occurred during a protest on Friday, where Palestinians reportedly threw stones, and Israeli forces responded with tear gas and live ammunition. Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli protester who was present at the demonstration, said that clashes had significantly de-escalated about half an hour before Eygi was shot, raising further questions about the timing and rationale behind the military’s use of force.
The death of Eygi marks another flashpoint in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestinians in the occupied territories. Eygi’s dual citizenship also adds an international dimension to the tragedy, with Turkey likely to weigh in on the matter, given Eygi’s Turkish citizenship. The situation is already drawing global attention, with protests planned in several countries.
Following Biden’s statement, Vice President Kamala Harris also issued her own remarks. Harris echoed the President’s call for accountability, stating that the U.S. would “continue to hold accountable anyone in the West Bank — Israelis and Palestinians — who stokes violence and undermines peace and stability.” Her comments underscore the U.S. administration’s balanced approach, condemning violence from all sides while stressing the importance of peace in the region.
The killing of an American citizen by Israeli forces during a protest places significant diplomatic pressure on Israel to conduct a transparent investigation, as called for by U.S. officials. Biden’s administration has been clear in its stance that there must be justice for the death of Eygi, and the outcome of the Israeli military’s investigation will likely have far-reaching implications on U.S.-Israeli relations, which are already complex due to the longstanding conflict over settlements and peace efforts.
For now, Biden’s administration will watch closely as Israel’s internal probe unfolds. However, the President’s stern response highlights the growing frustration over incidents of violence involving American citizens in conflict zones and the broader need for enhanced human rights protections in regions facing such unrest.
