American Volunteer Killed in West Bank Protest
On Friday, a tragic incident occurred in the West Bank when Aysenur Eygi, a 26-year-old American-Turkish activist, was fatally shot during a demonstration against Israeli settlement expansion. Eygi, who was affiliated with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), was participating in a protest in Beita, near Nablus, when she was struck by gunfire.
Eyewitness Accounts and Initial Reports
Eyewitnesses, including fellow ISM volunteers, have reported conflicting details about the circumstances leading to Eygi’s death. Jonathan Pollak, another ISM volunteer, stated that the shooting happened about 30 minutes after the protest had dispersed and there were no active clashes at that time. According to Pollak, Eygi and other international volunteers were standing at a considerable distance from the Israeli military when the shooting occurred.
Mariam, another volunteer, added that Eygi was positioned behind a dumpster when the shots were fired. She claimed that there was no immediate threat from the protesters at the time of the shooting and that Eygi was shot in the head by Israeli forces, despite the relative calm of the situation.
Israeli Defense Forces’ Response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the incident, stating that they were investigating the reports of a foreign national being killed by their fire. The IDF explained that their forces had responded with live ammunition towards what they described as a “main instigator of violent activity” who had allegedly thrown rocks at them.
The IDF’s statement emphasized that they were reviewing the details and circumstances surrounding the shooting. However, their initial account suggested that the actions taken were in response to perceived threats from protesters.
We are aware of the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Eygi, today in the West Bank. We offer our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. We are urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death, and will have more to say as we learn…
— Ambassador Jack Lew (@USAmbIsrael) September 6, 2024U.S. and Turkish Reactions
Regarding Eygi’s passing, the US and Turkey have both expressed grave worries. The United States was “urgently gathering more information,” according to U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, who also expressed sympathy to Eygi’s family. Assuring the safety and security of American citizens is a primary priority, the U.S. administration has emphasized.
Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the shooting, accusing Israel of trying to intimidate those who support Palestinian causes. The Turkish statement criticized the violence against Eygi and called for accountability for what it termed as crimes against humanity.
Context of the Incident
The protest in Beita was part of a broader series of demonstrations against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. The town of Beita has been a focal point for these protests, particularly in light of recent Israeli settlement expansions.
This incident occurred amid heightened tensions and frequent clashes in the West Bank, especially following Israel’s recent military actions in response to Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel. The increased frequency of violence has drawn international attention and criticism.
Calls for Investigation
The international community, including local Palestinian authorities, has called for a thorough investigation into Eygi’s death. Nablus Governor Ghassan Daghlas emphasized that legal measures would be pursued, including potential submissions to international courts.
In response to the escalating situation, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew and other officials are working to gather more details and assess the implications of the incident. Both the U.S. and Turkey are closely monitoring the situation and advocating for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Eygi’s death.
The shooting of Aysenur Eygi, an American-Turkish activist, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. As investigations continue, the incident highlights the ongoing conflict and complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian situation. The international community awaits further information and actions to address the tragic loss and ensure justice for Eygi.
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