Key Takeaways:
– Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, an American-Turkish dual national, was allegedly killed by Israeli security forces in the West Bank.
– The Eygi family feels disillusioned by the lack of a US investigation into Aysenur’s death.
– The Biden administration has emphasized its reliance on Israel’s own investigation but has not launched an independent one.
– Over 100 members of Congress have urged President Biden to start an independent investigation.
Distress and Disbelief Over Delayed U.S. Response
Two months have passed since the fatal shooting of American-Turkish activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Allegedly, an Israeli security officer committed the act. Distressingly for her family, the U.S. authorities have not initiated an independent criminal investigation.
Aysenur’s husband, Hamid Ali, expressed his discontent with the Biden administration’s response in an interview. He urged the U.S. government to apply its own legal measures in the case, which could include withholding military funding from Israeli units responsible for civilian casualties.
Unsettling Silence from U.S. Authorities
Despite the uproar surrounding Aysenur’s death, neither the Biden administration nor any U.S. law enforcement agency has publicized an inquiry into the matter. Meanwhile, the State Department asserts its desire for a thorough and transparent investigation by Israeli authorities.
Family and Friends Grapple with Their Grief
Heartbroken, Aysenur’s sister, Özden Bennett, revealed her disenchantment with the U.S. Government’s reaction. She highlighted the increased agony the family has experienced due to the absence of a meaningful response from the administration. The lack of an American probe into the matter led Bennett and others to question whether the value attached to U.S. citizens is conditional.
Eyewitness Accounts vs Initial Inquiry Results
Witnesses, family members, and fellow protestors agree that an Israeli sniper fatally shot Aysenur in the head under a tree during a protest in Nablus. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deemed it “highly likely” that an Israeli security member indirectly and unintentionally hit her.
Continual Appeals for Transparency and Accountability
The State Department’s spokesperson reaffirmed the United States’ persistent demand for a comprehensive, transparent, and prompt Israeli investigation. Meanwhile, the White House referred back to President Biden’s previous statement trusting Israel’s acknowledgment of responsibility and preliminary investigative results.
American Citizens Deserve Equal Protection
Eygi’s father expressed his dismay over the growing trend of seemingly downplaying the gravity of American fatalities at the hands of Israeli forces. Aysenur’s friend, Samah Park Imtiaz, echoed this sentiment and stressed the necessity of accountability when American citizens face harm.
Congressional Support for an Independent Investigation
Significantly, over a hundred members of the U.S. Congress have urged the president to launch an autonomous investigation into Eygi’s death. They regard it as imperative to prevent Israeli forces from acting with impunity.
Legal Advocates for Justice for Aysenur
Brad Parker, part of Eygi’s family’s legal team, criticized the underwhelming response from the Biden administration. He suggested a shift in focus from Israeli military operations to seeking justice and accountability for specific instances of American fatalities.
Will there be Justice for Aysenur?
As Aysenur’s family continues to mourn amidst the uncertainty surrounding her death, widespread calls for the U.S. government to hold Israel accountable for its actions intensify. According to the bereaved family, acknowledging and addressing their anguish should be a top priority for the U.S. administration. However, the question remains: will justice be served for Aysenur Ezgi Eygi?