U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has condemned the shooting that killed American activist Aysenur Eygi in the occupied West Bank last week, calling the incident “unprovoked and unjustified.” Speaking from London, Blinken expressed deep concern over the actions of Israeli security forces, stating that the killing of the 26-year-old activist demands a reevaluation of conduct by Israeli forces in the region.
Eygi, a recent graduate of the University of Washington, was participating in a protest against the expansion of Israeli settlements near a Palestinian village when the shooting occurred. Blinken emphasized that “no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest,” urging accountability and restraint in the use of force against demonstrators.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to the incident, stating that the gunfire that struck Eygi was not aimed at her but was directed at a protest leader they identified as the key instigator of the unrest. The IDF maintains that the shooting was part of a larger attempt to disperse what they described as a riot in a highly volatile area. However, eyewitnesses at the protest have disputed this account, claiming that Eygi was standing apart from any direct confrontation when she was hit.
Blinken reiterated that the U.S. government is following the investigation closely, and reports thus far corroborate accounts from protesters and activists who were present during the incident. “This tragedy highlights the urgent need for changes in how Israeli security forces respond to protests and unrest in the occupied West Bank,” Blinken said, stressing that while the security situation is complex, the killing of unarmed demonstrators is unacceptable.
The shooting has sparked outrage among human rights organizations and activists, both in the U.S. and internationally. Eygi’s death has renewed calls for stronger international oversight of Israeli military operations in Palestinian territories, with activists pushing for greater protections for civilians and demonstrators in conflict zones.
The protest Eygi attended was focused on the controversial expansion of Israeli settlements, a point of ongoing conflict in the West Bank. Palestinian residents, supported by international activists like Eygi, have long argued that the expansion undermines their rights and contributes to the growing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the region.
The U.S. government has faced increased pressure to address the situation, with lawmakers and advocacy groups urging stronger diplomatic action. While Blinken’s remarks signal U.S. disapproval of the incident, it remains unclear whether additional steps will be taken to address the broader security issues in the West Bank.
Aysenur Eygi’s family has expressed deep grief and outrage, describing her as a passionate advocate for peace and human rights. Her death has become a rallying point for activists worldwide who continue to demand justice and accountability for those responsible.
