Washington DC - Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D, WA-09) and Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), released the following joint statement urging the Biden Administration to immediately launch an investigation into the fatal shooting of U.S. Citizen Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi in the West Bank:
“On September 6, Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi was fatally shot in the West Bank while she was peacefully participating in a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the Palestinian village of Beita. Since then, we have requested an independent, thorough, credible, and transparent investigation into what happened that day to both better understand the circumstances of her death and ensure that if any laws were broken those who were responsible are held to account.
“This week, Ms. Eygi’s family came to D.C. to discuss the challenges they’ve faced and the questions they still have about what happened. The lack of answers they have received is unacceptable.
“We call on Israel to complete their investigation and release their report on the cause of her death. Secretary Blinken must insist on the release of any Israeli investigation results. We also continue to urge the U.S. Department of Justice to initiate an independent, U.S.-led investigation into Ms. Eygi’s death. If the Justice Department isn’t going to investigate, then the State Department should release their own findings and seek accountability.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government have exacerbated tensions in the West Bank with their promotion of rapid Israeli settlement expansion. This dangerous situation in the West Bank has claimed the lives of far too many civilians, including Ms. Eygi.
“We applaud the sanctions that President Biden has imposed thus far on extremist Israeli settlers, including the settler organization Amana. Clearly, more must be done. The policies of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and Israel’s security, violate the rights of Palestinians living in the West Bank, and put the region at even greater risk of further destabilization.
“It is time for the Biden Administration to thoroughly investigate the shooting of Ms. Eygi.”
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