The family of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-born American human rights activist killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, has pleaded with Secretary of State Antony Blinken for a U.S. investigation into her death. However, Blinken offered no promises during the meeting on Monday, according to Eygi’s husband, Hamid Ali.
Eygi, 26, was shot and killed on September 6 while participating in a protest march in the town of Beita against the expansion of Jewish settlements. Speaking after their meeting with Blinken, Ali described the U.S. response as restrained. “He was very deferential to the Israelis,” Ali said. “It felt like he was saying his hands were tied and they weren’t able to really do much.”
Ali noted that Blinken provided no timeline or assurances for a U.S. investigation, instead suggesting the family wait for Israel to conclude its inquiry. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that Israel informed the U.S. it is finalizing its probe and that any findings will be shared with Eygi’s family promptly.
“With respect to a United States investigation… that would be in the remit of the Justice Department,” Miller added.
Israel has admitted that its troops shot Eygi but claimed it was an unintentional act during a protest that turned violent. Eygi’s family, however, believes she was targeted due to her activism. The incident has drawn attention amid escalating tensions in the West Bank, exacerbated by Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
The U.S. has criticized Eygi’s killing and a recent surge in attacks on Palestinians but has not announced any significant policy changes toward Israel. The International Court of Justice and most countries regard Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and the expansion of Jewish settlements as illegal under international law. Israel disputes this view, citing historical and biblical claims to the region.
As the investigation drags on, Eygi’s family continues to seek accountability and justice for her death. The lack of a firm U.S. commitment underscores the complexity of addressing human rights concerns amid longstanding U.S.-Israel relations.
