West Bank : US vows action after Turkish-American activist killed by Israeli forces

In reaction to the killing of a Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in the occupied West Bank, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday vowed to act “as necessary” when the US has more information regarding the incident.

“We deplore this tragic loss,” Blinken said during a press conference in the Dominican Republic. “Now, most important thing to do is to gather the facts, and that’s exactly what we’re in the process of doing.”

“As you heard me say many times before, I have no higher priority than the safety and protection of American citizens around the world, wherever they are… When we have more info, we will share it, make it available and, as necessary, we’ll act on it,” he said.

The US top official extended his “deepest condolences” to Eygi’s family, adding that the US is “intensely focused” on getting the facts, and any actions that will be driven by the facts.

“So first things first, let’s find out exactly what happened, and we will draw the necessary conclusions, consequences from that,” he added.

The 26-year-old dual Turkish-American national was shot dead by Israeli forces on Friday during a protest against illegal Israeli settlements in the town of Beita in the Nablus district of the occupied West Bank, according to eyewitnesses.

On its part, the Türkish government condemned the killing in a statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

The statement said, “It is with deep sorrow that we have learned of the killing of our citizen Aysenur Ezgi Eygi by occupying Israeli soldiers in Nablus, West Bank.”

The ministry also extended its condolences to Eygi’s relatives.

“We condemn this murder committed by the Netanyahu government,” the statement added.
“Israel is attempting to intimidate those who come to the aid of Palestinians and those engaged in peaceful struggle against genocide. This policy of violence will not succeed,” it said.