U.S. Congress Demands Answers From Marco Rubio on Death of American Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, 194 Days After Israeli Killing
Washington (Quds News Network)- Eight members of the U.S. Congress are calling on Senator Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, for answers regarding the killing of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, an American citizen. The 26-year-old American was shot and killed by an Israeli sniper in the West Bank on September 6, 2024. The Israeli crime was committed during a peaceful protest in the village of Beita, near Nablus in the West Bank. As of today, 194 days have passed since her death, but the case remains unresolved.
8 members of Congress are asking Marco Rubio for answers on the killing of American Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi.
Blinken never responded to a similar letter.
Now 194 days since Israeli forces killed her.Signed:
Sens Welch, Murray, Sanders, Merkley, Van Hollen
Reps Jayapal, Jacobs, Castro pic.twitter.com/lOpLsjpfoR— Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) March 19, 2025
Eygi was fatally shot in the head by an Israeli soldier while standing near a tree at a distance of 215-230 meters from the soldier. Eyewitnesses, including local and international witnesses, have disputed the Israeli army’s claim that the shooting was accidental and aimed at a “key instigator” in a riot. Reports from The Washington Post and other sources, including more than 50 photos and videos, suggest a different sequence of events, pointing to a deliberate targeting.
The forensic report confirmed that Eygi was killed by a sniper’s bullet, while medical teams at Rafidia Hospital pronounced her dead due to the critical head injury. Eyewitnesses reported that there were no confrontations at the time, and the protest she was attending was non-violent. Eygi was part of regular demonstrations in Beita against the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the Israeli actions, noting that Eygi was standing in solidarity with Palestinian farmers when she was shot.
Eygi’s family has called for an independent investigation into her death. They described her as a passionate advocate for human rights and an active participant in various protests. Her family emphasized that she had been standing for justice when her life was violently taken by an Israeli soldier.
In the Congressional letter, Senator Peter Welch and Representative Pramila Jayapal led the call for an explanation from Secretary Rubio. They asked for answers about the evidence surrounding the shooting, including whether Eygi posed any threat to the soldier or others, and whether the U.S. had asked Israel to release a full investigation.
Former Secretary Blinken called Eygi’s death “unprovoked and unjustified.” The U.S. State Department, however, has so far not provided a clear response. Spokesperson Vedant Patel refused to acknowledge the Israeli military’s responsibility for the murder, stating that the investigation should “play out.” The Biden administration has avoided publicly engaging with the issue, citing the ongoing investigation by Israeli authorities.
As the months pass, the family and supporters continue to demand accountability for the killing of a young woman who had been fighting for human rights.
