U.S. Demands Israeli Military Overhaul After Fatal Shooting of American Protester

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for changes in Israeli military operations in the West Bank following the fatal shooting of American-Turkish protester Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. Israel's military expressed regret but insisted the incident was unintentional. Eygi's family and U.S. officials demand an independent investigation.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday demanded an overhaul of Israeli military conduct in the occupied West Bank following the fatal shooting of American protester Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, which Israel claimed was accidental. Eygi, 26, who also held Turkish citizenship, was killed last Friday during a protest in Beita.

Israel's military acknowledged that its soldiers likely fired the fatal shot but stated the act was unintended. Blinken described Eygi's killing as "unprovoked and unjustified" and called for significant changes in Israeli military operations in the West Bank.

"No one should be shot and killed for attending a protest," Blinken asserted. The incident, involving the second American victim by Israeli forces this year, prompted further investigation by Israel, which U.S. officials are monitoring closely. Eygi's family decried the initial inquiry as insufficient and urged President Biden to seek an independent probe.

(With inputs from agencies.)