Rep. Smith Statement on the Death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

Rep. Smith Statement on the Death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi
 

SEATTLE, WA  – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement in response to the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi:
 
“Yesterday we learned about the fatal shooting in the West Bank of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Seattle resident and constituent of Washington's Ninth District. Eygi graduated from the University of Washington last May. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.
 
"Reports indicate that Eygi was killed while protesting settlements in the West Bank. As we learn more about this shooting, I urge the Israeli government to deliver answers quickly and thoroughly. The perpetrators must be held accountable with a full, thorough, and transparent investigation.
 
"More broadly, what Prime Minister Netanyahu is allowing to happen in the West Bank with Israeli settlement expansion is illegal, destabilizing, and violates the rights of Palestinians living in the West Bank. Israeli settlement expansion has to stop. Continuing down this path undermines the viability of a Palestinian state. Without durable states for both the Israeli and Palestinian people, the region will continue to face the violence and instability it has suffered for generations. The continued hostilities and violence in the West Bank puts lives and the regional security at risk.  Countless civilians have been killed in the West Bank since October 7, escalating regional violence - it must stop. We must take steps that bring us closer to the ultimate goal of creating a path to peace in the region."