The Biden administration is under fire from Democratic leaders following the tragic death of an American woman by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old who lived in Seattle and held Turkish citizenship, was fatally shot in the head during a protest against Jewish settlement expansion. The Associated Press reported that Eygi was trying to escape after conflicts escalated at the demonstration.
This incident adds to the ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading many Democrats to voice their opposition to U.S. aid to Israel. On Friday, Democratic lawmakers renewed their calls for accountability regarding Eygi’s death.
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Senator Chris Van Hollen expressed outrage on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Three U.S. citizens have now been killed in the West Bank in 11 months. There MUST be justice & accountability.” He urged the Biden administration to push for answers and accountability from the Israeli government.
3 U.S. citizens have now been killed in the West Bank in 11 months. There MUST be justice & accountability. The Netanyahu gvt hasn’t provided that & the Biden Admin needs to do more to obtain it.
Those responsible must be held accountable & the DOJ must take action if necessary: https://t.co/QTja0vFzkN pic.twitter.com/wTDS0AEJzl
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) September 6, 2024
Senator Patty Murray also condemned the incident, saying she was “heartbroken & angry” and urging Israel to take responsibility for Eygi’s death.
I am heartbroken & angry about the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, an American citizen, in the West Bank today, who was peacefully protesting against illegal settlement activity. Israel must deliver answers immediately & hold the perpetrators fully accountable.
Read my full…
— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) September 6, 2024
Representative Rashida Tlaib criticized the U.S. government’s handling of the situation during a press conference with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, stating the administration has failed to keep Americans safe.
During the press conference, Blinken offered condolences and emphasized the need to understand the circumstances surrounding Eygi’s death before determining any policy changes regarding arms support to Israel. He maintained that safeguarding Americans is a top priority.
The timing of Eygi’s death is significant, coming shortly after Israel reported finding six hostages taken during a Hamas attack in October that resulted in substantial casualties and ongoing conflict, leading to over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Hamas-controlled Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties.