Official reports or statements from the U.S. Department of State or other relevant U.S. government agencies

Biden Outraged as 26-Year-Old Turkish-American Activist Killed by Israeli Forces in West Bank

Sep 11, 2024, 02:56 AM

Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, was killed by Israeli forces during a protest in the West Bank. Eygi, who was participating in a peaceful demonstration against Israeli settlements, was shot in the head by an Israeli sniper. The incident has sparked significant international outcry, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blaming Israel for the 'treacherous' killing and promising legal action, including applying to the International Court of Justice. The U.S. government has called for a thorough investigation, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken describing the shooting as 'unprovoked and unjustified' and demanding changes in Israeli military conduct in the West Bank. President Joe Biden has expressed outrage and called the incident 'totally unacceptable,' while also stating that the bullet 'ricocheted off the ground.' Eygi's body is being repatriated to Turkey after a military funeral in Nablus, and her death has led to calls for full accountability and an independent investigation. Biden has not called Eygi's family.