Unspoken silence: How US handles killings of its citizens by Israel?

The deaths of US citizens at the hands of Israeli forces highlight a distinct difference in Washington’s approach to accountability depending on the perpetrator

Muslim Network TV Analysis

In a series of tragic events, the U.S. finds itself grappling with the deaths of its own citizens in Palestine due to Israeli aggressions.

With the latest fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen during an anti-settlement protest in the occupied West Bank, the incident brings to light a growing disparity in how Washington addresses killings linked to Israeli forces.

The most recent incident occurred in the town of Beita, near Nablus, where an American woman Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, was shot in the head. She was rushed to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries shortly after.

While the Israeli military stated it was “looking into the report,” neither the U.S. embassy nor Israeli authorities have issued substantial responses so far.

This tragedy is not isolated. A similar incident occurred in February when another U.S. citizen, Mohammad Ahmad Alkhdour, 17, was fatally shot by Israeli forces in the West Bank, marking a worrying trend in the region.

Despite these deaths, investigations remain under scrutiny as many accuse the U.S. of failing to hold Israel accountable.

The deaths of U.S. citizens at the hands of Israeli forces highlight a distinct difference in Washington’s approach to accountability depending on the perpetrator.

According to federal prosecutors, at least 43 Americans have been killed since the onset of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Meanwhile, 10 Americans remain unaccounted for or have been taken prisoner.

The U.S. government’s commitment to investigating the deaths of its citizens in war zones, such as Gaza, when Palestinian fighters are involved is evident.

However, when Israeli forces are implicated, the fervor for thorough investigations wanes.

This pattern was most prominently displayed in the high-profile case of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, a U.S. citizen, who was fatally shot in 2022 while covering a military raid in the occupied West Bank.

Her killing in May 2022 sparked global outrage, as independent investigations concluded she was deliberately targeted by Israeli forces.

Yet, the U.S. response to her death illustrates the inconsistency in Washington’s handling of such incidents. The initial call from U.S. officials for accountability and justice quickly diminished, with the Biden administration shifting from demands for criminal prosecution to requests for Israel to review its military rules of engagement.

-Accepting Israeli version

Despite multiple independent investigations pointing to Israeli culpability, the U.S. eventually accepted Israel’s assertion that Abu Akleh’s death was accidental.

The State Department echoed this position, stating that there was “no reason to believe that this was intentional but rather the result of tragic circumstances.”

This stance prompted widespread criticism, particularly from Abu Akleh’s family, who continue to advocate for justice at international platforms such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The U.S. government’s changing stance on Abu Akleh’s killing exemplifies a broader trend in Washington’s approach to Israeli-related deaths of American citizens.

In the months following her death, high-ranking officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, called for an independent and thorough investigation.

However, within weeks, the administration’s language became more subdued, with the term “independent” omitted from official statements.

Critics argue that the U.S.’s reliance on Israel’s self-investigation undermines international accountability and sends a message of impunity.

The reluctance to press Israel on these incidents is likely influenced by the strong U.S.-Israel relationship, which includes at least $3.8 billion in annual military aid.

This financial support, along with shared geopolitical interests, makes Washington’s position on holding Israel accountable for these killings precarious.

Moreover, while the U.S. maintains a strong stance on journalistic freedom and human rights, as demonstrated in other parts of the world, its hesitancy to challenge Israel undermines these values.

-Inconsistency in approach

The inconsistency in the U.S. approach raises questions about the extent to which political alliances affect the protection of American citizens abroad.

The recent deaths of U.S. citizens in the West Bank, alongside the unresolved case of Shireen Abu Akleh, expose a glaring gap in Washington’s commitment to holding Israel accountable for violence against American nationals.

While the U.S. is vocally demanding accountability when its citizens are harmed by Palestinian factions, it remains conspicuously silent when Israel is involved.

This double standard not only erodes trust in Washington’s global human rights advocacy but also leaves grieving families without the justice they deserve.

If the U.S. is to maintain its moral authority on issues of human rights, it must uphold the same standards of accountability, regardless of who pulls the trigger.

The deaths of American citizens in the West Bank and Gaza demand more than diplomatic platitudes—they require concrete action and impartial investigations. Until then, the silence surrounding these tragedies speaks volumes.