Israeli Forces Likely Responsible for Death of Turkish-American Activist
Israel’s military has confirmed that it was highly likely its troops fired the shot that killed Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, the American-Turkish woman who was tragically killed at a protest in the occupied West Bank. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that her death was unintentional and have expressed deep regret for the incident. This revelation comes as Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, has condemned the killing of the 26-year-old as “unprovoked and unjustified”.
Official Statements and Reactions
During a diplomatic visit to London, Blinken emphasized that Eygi’s death underscores the urgent need for the Israeli security forces to make fundamental changes to their rules of engagement. He stated, “No one should be shot and killed for attending a protest,” marking one of his strongest criticisms of the IDF to date. Turkish and Palestinian officials have also accused Israeli troops of shooting Eygi, who was a volunteer with the activist group International Solidarity Movement (ISM), during a demonstration against settlement expansion in Beita, a village near Nablus.
The IDF has released a statement indicating that commanders conducted an investigation into the incident. According to the military’s findings, it is highly likely that Eygi was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire that was aimed at the main instigator of the riot. The IDF clarified that the incident occurred during a violent riot where Palestinian suspects were burning tires and hurling rocks towards security forces at the Beita junction. The IDF expressed deep regret over Eygi’s death and acknowledged the tragic outcome of the protest.
Eyewitness Accounts and Contradictory Reports
Eyewitnesses from Beita have provided a different narrative of the events leading to Eygi’s death. A local resident, Mahmud Abdullah, recalled that a group of demonstrators had gathered for midday prayers, as they did every Friday, to protest against Eyvatar, an Israeli settlement allegedly built on land belonging to Palestinian farmers. The presence of approximately 20 Palestinians from Beita, 10 foreign volunteers from ISM, including Eygi, and several children from the district characterized the protest.
According to Abdullah, the demonstration escalated when children began throwing stones, prompting soldiers to fire tear gas. Amid the chaos, two shots were heard, leading to Eygi’s tragic demise. Neighbors pointed out the location where Eygi was shot and identified a nearby house as the source of the fatal bullet. The owner of the house, Ali Mohali, claimed that soldiers had been positioned on his roof, approximately 200 meters from where Eygi was shot. He recounted hearing a single shot but was unsure if a second shot had been fired from that position.
Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli activist present during the protest, corroborated Abdullah’s account. He described how clashes erupted, with Palestinians throwing stones and soldiers responding with tear gas and live ammunition. After the protesters retreated and the clashes subsided, Pollak witnessed two soldiers on a nearby roof aiming a gun towards the group and firing. He vividly recalled seeing Eygi lying on the ground, bleeding profusely next to an olive tree.
Remembering Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi
Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a recent psychology graduate from the University of Washington, had been actively involved in advocating for Palestinian rights. Aria Fani, a professor at the university, recounted Eygi’s participation in pro-Palestinian initiatives and her commitment to bearing witness to the injustices in the West Bank. Despite efforts to dissuade her from joining the protests, Eygi remained steadfast in her belief that her presence was essential for upholding her humanity.
Eygi’s tragic death has reignited discussions on the accountability of Israeli soldiers involved in the killing of Palestinians and foreign supporters. Human rights organizations have long criticized the lack of consequences for such actions, while the Israeli military maintains that it conducts investigations and takes appropriate action if criminal misconduct is established. The legality of Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank remains a contentious issue, with international law deeming them illegal, a stance that Israel disputes vehemently.
The global community continues to mourn the loss of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a vibrant young activist whose life was cut short while advocating for a just cause. As calls for accountability and justice echo across borders, the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions and violence in the volatile region of the West Bank. Eygi’s legacy as a fearless advocate for human rights and justice will endure, inspiring others to continue the fight for a more equitable and peaceful world.
