Americans of deceased kin critically question ongoing American inactivity regarding fatalities caused by Israel, expressing frustration and urging for action: 'What more is necessary?'
A press conference was held in front of the Capitol on Tuesday, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.). The event was in response to the one-year anniversary of the fatal shooting of Seattle-based activist Ayşenur Eygi by an Israeli soldier.
Cindy Corrie, the mother of Rachel Corrie—an American who was killed by Israeli soldiers while trying to prevent the destruction of a Palestinian family's home in Rafah 20 years ago—spoke at the conference. Since her daughter's death, Cindy has fought for justice for all Americans who have been killed by Israel without any accountability.
Cindy Corrie suggested that if there had been consequences for the killing of U.S. citizens by Israeli soldiers and settlers, some of the families standing with her might not have needed to share their stories. However, the Biden and Trump administrations have declined to act on calls by victims' families to hold Israel accountable and to conduct an independent investigation.
The statement does not mention the specific families or individuals whose stories are being told, nor does it provide details about the nature or circumstances of the killings. It does imply, however, that the U.S. government's actions (or lack thereof) have not held Israel accountable for the deaths of American citizens.
At least 10 Americans have been killed by Israeli violence in the West Bank and Gaza since 2022. The implication is that the continued military aid to Israel might be perceived as a message of support or indifference towards Israeli actions. Cindy Corrie, Rachel's father, highlights the inconsistent messages from the U.S. government towards Israel, citing diplomatic requests for investigations versus continued military aid.
Ozden Bennett, Eygi's sister, urged the Department of Justice to investigate her sister's unlawful killing by Israel. Hafez Ajaq, the father of Tawfiq Abdel Jabbar—another American killed by Israeli violence—stated that Israeli violence against Americans has increased after the country invaded Gaza in 2023, but such incidents have occurred for years.
Also speaking at the press conference were loved ones of Sayfollah Musallet and Mohammed Ibrahim, two other Americans who have been killed or imprisoned by Israeli forces. Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old Floridian, has been imprisoned by the Israeli military since February without trial.
The headline of the story has been corrected to specify where the Americans were killed. The statement does not mention any specific actions that the U.S. government could take to hold Israel accountable for the deaths of U.S. citizens. Bennett questioned why some American lives are worth fighting for while others are not, and why the U.S. government is swift to act only when the perpetrator is not Israel.
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