US claims wants completion of Israeli probe into Eygi's killing
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When asked about a timeline for the Israeli investigation, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller refrained from commenting publicly.
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Mehmet, left, the father of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist killed by the Israeli military, attends prayers during his daughter's funeral outside the central mosque of Didim, Turkey, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 (AP)
The United States wants "Israel" to complete its investigation into the killing of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi before deciding on any potential actions, the State Department indicated on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported.
“We want to see the end of the (Israeli) investigation before we speak to that, which does not mean that it is an open-ended timeline,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated during a daily press briefing.
Miller's comments were in response to Anadolu Agency's inquiry about whether the State Department intends to take action regarding Eygi’s killing rather than waiting for the Israeli occupation authorities to conclude their investigation, which has been ongoing for more than two months.
The spokesperson claimed that the US has been engaging with the Israeli government, including recently, to “make clear that we wanted to hear from them exactly what happened."
“We continue to press the Government of Israel to conduct its investigation and to brief us on the results of that investigation,” Miller added, noting that no further updates were available.
When asked about a timeline for the Israeli investigation, he refrained from commenting publicly.
“We're in conversation with the Government of Israel about it, but we want to see the investigation be thorough, and then when we see the results, of course, we want to speak to them at that time, as well as any additional steps that may or may not be warranted."
Addressing a separate question regarding a Haaretz report on "Israel’s" crackdown on foreign activists, including Americans, in the occupied West Bank, Miller said the US is actively gathering more information on the matter.
“We support the rule of law and due process, and we'll continue to advocate for these principles, especially when they pertain to the treatment of US citizens,” the State Department spokesman indicated.
Eygi’s killing
Eygi, 26, was killed by Israeli occupation forces on September 6 during a peaceful protest against illegal Israeli settlements near Nablus in the occupied West Bank.
A preliminary Israeli investigation concluded that Eygi was "highly likely" hit "indirectly and unintentionally" by Israeli fire targeting a “main instigator of violent activity” who was throwing rocks during the protest.
However, video evidence and witness testimonies have contradicted "Israel's" account, with many assuring that Eygi was directly targeted by an Israeli sniper.
Eygi’s family has maintained that she was deliberately killed in a targeted attack and is urging the US government to conduct an independent investigation into her killing. Turkish authorities are also investigating the incident.
Read more: Testimonies added to case file in killing of Turkish-American activist
