US urges Israel to conclude investigation into killing of Turkish-American activist

The United States is pressing Israel to provide a “thorough answer” and swiftly conclude its investigation into the killing of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi.

State Department spokesperson Matt Miller stated Wednesday that U.S. officials have engaged with Israeli authorities “in recent days” regarding the investigation’s progress.

“We understand that it is still ongoing, and we’re continuing to press for a conclusion that provides a thorough answer,” Miller told Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu at a news conference. “As soon as we have an answer from the government of Israel, you will certainly hear from us about our thoughts on it.”

Miller emphasized that while the U.S. awaits the investigation’s outcome, this does not preclude Washington from taking action if deemed necessary.

“In no way does waiting for the outcome of this ongoing criminal investigation preclude any action by the U.S. government if we think such action is appropriate,” he said.

“This includes further reviews by the State Department regarding the use of weapons, as well as any other types of reviews by our government or other agencies.”

‘We are as impatient as anyone’

He underscored the urgency for answers, stating, “We are as impatient for answers about what happened as anyone.”

“We take very seriously the death of an American citizen under circumstances in which she never should have been killed, and we are pressing for a thorough answer as soon as one is available,” he added.

Eygi, 26, was killed by Israeli forces on Sept. 6 during a peaceful protest against illegal Israeli settlements near Nablus in the occupied West Bank.

A preliminary investigation by Israel indicated that Eygi was “highly likely” struck “indirectly and unintentionally” by Israeli fire targeting a “main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks” during the protest. However, video evidence and witness accounts contradict Israel’s narrative, with many claiming she was directly hit by an Israeli sniper.

Eygi’s family contends she was killed in a targeted attack and is urging the U.S. to launch an independent investigation into her death.

Turkish authorities are also investigating Eygi’s killing.