Calls for an independent investigation into the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi grow as Washington's reliance on the Israeli probe draws flak.
AP
US relies on the probe of Israel which is the prime facie perpetrator of the crime. / Photo: AP
The United States has dismissed calls for an independent investigation into the killing of a Turkish-American dual citizen in the occupied West Bank, despite eyewitness accounts and evidence suggesting she was shot by an Israeli sniper.
Washington says it still does not “know with full certainty what transpired” into the killing of 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, stressing that they were waiting for the findings of an Israeli investigation.
"Our understanding is that our partners in Israel are looking into the circumstances of what happened, and we expect them to make their findings public and expect that whatever those findings are, expect them to be thorough and transparent," US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told a news briefing.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby later said Israel was understood to be "moving swiftly on this investigation" and was expected to present its findings and conclusions in the coming days.
Patel and Kirby did not provide further information on the circumstances of the killing and said Washington would withhold judgment until Israel presented its findings.
The US thus relies on the probe of Israel which is the prime facie perpetrator of the crime.
International Court of Justice has declared Israel's decades-long occupation of Palestinian land unlawful in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, while also admitting accusations of genocide in Gaza against it.
The US rejection of a transparent independent probe and reliance on the "perpetrator" Israel to probe itself has drawn flak from around the world.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley took to X and wrote: "Aysenur Ezgi Eygi should be alive today. Instead, she was shot in the head and killed by the IDF while protesting Israel’s illegal occupation of the West Bank. She was an American citizen. There must be accountability and a thorough, independent investigation."
Cindy Corrie and her husband Craig Corrie, the parents of American activist Rachel Corrie, who was crushed to death by Israeli bulldozers in Palestine 20 years ago, have also demanded an independent investigation into the deaths of their daughter Rachel Corrie and of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi.
Another Pro-Palestine and anti-war activist took to Twitter and voiced rage over Israel investigating Aysenur's killing and quoting Rachel Corrie said: "Israel does not do investigations, they do coverups"
US expects 'transparent' disclosure from Israel on Turkish-American activist's death
WASHINGTON
The United States urged Israel on Monday to conduct a "swift, thorough, and transparent investigation" into the death of Turkish-American activist Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, who was killed in the occupied West Bank.
Haberin Devamı
September 10 2024
The U.S. is calling for Israel to publicly release their findings regarding the incident.
“Our understanding is that our partners in Israel are looking into the circumstances of what happened, and we expect them to make their findings public, and whatever those findings are, (we) expect them to be thorough and transparent,” State Department Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel stated.
Patel described the death of an American citizen as “heartbreaking,” “troubling,” and “tragic,” but refrained from condemning Israel, while noting that the situation in the West Bank “is still being determined and adjudicated.”
Eygi, 26, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Türkiye, was fatally shot by Israeli forces during a protest against illegal Israeli settlements in Beita, part of the Nablus district. Witnesses reported that Israeli soldiers used live fire on demonstrators protesting the illegal settlements on Mount Sbeih. Despite standing away from the main protest area, Eygi was shot, and although rushed to a hospital, she could not be saved.
The Israeli military acknowledged the firing, claiming it targeted a "main instigator of violent activity" perceived as a threat. This assertion has been disputed by both witnesses and the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), with which Eygi was volunteering to support Palestinian farmers.
The international community, including Türkiye and the United Nations, has condemned the killing, with the death sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
Eygi’s body is expected to be transported to Türkiye.
Originally from Antalya, Türkiye, Eygi graduated from the University of Washington in June, with studies in psychology and Middle Eastern languages and cultures. The activist arrived in the West Bank to volunteer with the ISM.
Eygi's family has called on the Biden administration for an independent investigation into her death. They released a statement emphasizing the need for accountability, stating, "A U.S. citizen, Ayşenur was peacefully standing for justice when she was killed by a bullet that video shows came from an Israeli military shooter. We welcome the White House's statement of condolences, but given the circumstances of Ayşenur's killing, an Israeli investigation is not adequate."
"We call on President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary of State Blinken to order an independent investigation into the unlawful killing of a U.S. citizen and to ensure full accountability for the guilty parties."
When asked ny Anadolu Agency if the U.S. supports the family’s call for an independent investigation, Patel reiterated that "We expect Israel to make their findings public. We expect those findings to be shared transparently and as thoroughly and as soon as possible," noting that any additional steps would depend on the investigation's conclusions.
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