Tue Sep 10 16:06:15 UTC 2024: ## US Condemns Killing of American Activist in West Bank, Calls for Israeli Security Force Overhaul

**LONDON -** US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has demanded fundamental changes to Israeli security operations in the occupied West Bank following the death of American citizen Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was killed during a protest against Israeli settlements.

Blinken, on a visit to London, stated that Eygi’s death was both “unprovoked and unjustified,” and condemned the lack of repercussions for Israeli settlers who have attacked Palestinians in the region.

“No one should be shot and killed for attending a protest,” Blinken asserted. “We have the second American citizen killed at the hands of Israeli security forces. It’s not acceptable. It has to change.”

Eygi, who also held Turkish citizenship, was killed while participating in a weekly demonstration against Israeli settlements, deemed illegal under international law. The Israeli military initially claimed that Eygi was likely killed indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire, but her family rejected this version of events, stating that she was shot in the head while taking shelter.

The United States, Israel’s key ally and major weapons supplier, has expressed repeated concerns about the deaths of American citizens in the West Bank. However, the State Department has not imposed sanctions on Israeli units involved in the deaths of Omar Assad, a Palestinian-American grocer, and Shireen Abu Akleh, a prominent Al Jazeera journalist.

Blinken also addressed the ongoing war in Gaza, reiterating the need for a ceasefire and stating that a deal would benefit all parties involved. He emphasized the importance of de-escalation and a reduction of violence in the region.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed Blinken’s call for a ceasefire, expressing outrage over an Israeli strike in a designated safe zone in Gaza that killed 40 people.

The US’s call for fundamental changes to Israeli security operations marks a significant escalation in its criticism of Israel’s actions in the occupied territories. While the US has historically maintained strong support for Israel, the deaths of American citizens during protests and the escalation of violence in Gaza have forced the US to confront the human cost of the conflict and call for accountability.

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