US lawmakers call on Biden to investigate Israel's killing of a Turkish activist

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal criticized the White House for failing to launch an investigation into the killing of Turkish-American activist Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi. Eygi was shot dead by Israeli forces in the West Bank during a peaceful protest against illegal settlements.

“It has been 53 days since Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was killed in the West Bank and we have seen no movement toward an independent investigation by the US government,” Jayapal wrote on X. He noted that the US was the most prominent backer of military aid to Israel, she said: “When the Israeli government is unwilling or unable to follow our own national laws as well as international humanitarian laws, we must demand accountability.” The congresswoman called on the US to conduct its own investigation to initiate.

“To ensure the trust of our own U.S. citizens, we must launch our own investigation into Eygi's killing, use our influence to demand changes to the IDF's (Israeli Army) rules of engagement, and apply our national laws to this situation “To ensure full accountability.” “She highlighted the recent push by Congress, noting that 102 members had signed a letter calling for an independent investigation into Eygi's death.” “My colleagues and I will not rest until we Have answers.”

Eygi, 26, a Turkish-American dual citizen, was killed by Israeli forces on September 6 during a peaceful protest near Nablus in the occupied West Bank. A preliminary investigation by the Israeli army found that Eygi was “most likely” hit “indirectly and unintentionally” by Israeli fire aimed at a “main initiator of violent activity” who was hurling stones during the protest. However, video evidence and eyewitness accounts contradicted the Israeli version of events. A Washington Post report also revealed that Eygi was shot more than 30 minutes after confrontations peaked in Beita and about 20 minutes after protesters had moved more than 200 yards (182.88 meters) away from Israeli forces down the main road became. Eygi's family says she was killed in a targeted attack and is calling on the U.S. government to launch an independent investigation into her killing.

Turkish authorities are also conducting their own investigation into Eygi's murder.

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