Blinken Demands Israeli Security Changes After Palestinian-American Protester’s Death

During a joint press conference with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken strongly condemned the killing of Palestinian-American Ayshenour during a protest, calling it "unjustified and unprovoked." Blinken pointed out that preliminary findings from the investigation into the incident support eyewitness accounts, confirming that the young woman's death was unwarranted.

“No one should be shot and killed for attending a protest,” Blinken asserted. “No one’s life should be in danger simply for expressing their views freely.”

He stressed the urgent need for Israeli security forces to implement significant reforms, particularly in their conduct within the West Bank. Blinken highlighted the ongoing issues with how Israeli forces operate, including the need for changes to the rules of engagement. He referenced longstanding concerns that Israeli security forces have often turned a blind eye to violent acts by extremist settlers against Palestinians and that excessive force has been used against Palestinian civilians.

“This is now the second American citizen killed by Israeli security forces. This is unacceptable,” Blinken said firmly. “This needs to change, and we will make that clear to senior Israeli officials.”

Although the investigation is still under review, Blinken emphasized that even an initial assessment reveals significant issues that must be addressed. “We will insist these matters be resolved,” he concluded.