The Tragic Death of American-Turkish Activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in the West Bank

 

On a Friday in the occupied West Bank, the world lost a dedicated and compassionate activist, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was fatally shot during a protest against illegal Israeli settlements. This tragedy took place on Mount Sbeih in Beita, south of Nablus, an area known for its long-standing conflict and demonstrations.

Eygi, only 26 years old, had been protesting the ongoing Israeli settler violence when Israeli forces opened fire, using live ammunition, stun grenades, and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Eygi sustained a serious head injury during the violent crackdown and was rushed to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus. Despite efforts to save her, she died soon after arrival. Fouad Nafaa, the head of Rafidia Hospital, confirmed, “We tried to perform a resuscitation operation on her, but unfortunately, she died.”

Eygi’s death shocked many, and those present at the protest described the horrific moment. Jonathan Pollak, a witness, recalled finding her “lying on the ground beneath an olive grove, bleeding to death.” He attempted to stop the bleeding and took her pulse, which was faint by the time they called for an ambulance.

The Israeli military later issued a statement acknowledging their forces’ use of live fire in response to demonstrators who allegedly posed a threat by throwing rocks. The military admitted that they were investigating reports that a foreign national had been killed during the clashes.

Eygi was not just an ordinary protester but a member of the International Solidarity Movement, a Palestinian-led movement advocating for nonviolent resistance against the long-standing oppression of the Palestinian population. She stood in solidarity with Palestinians facing systemic oppression and violence, protesting for their right to live free from persecution.

The killing of an American citizen on foreign soil has triggered urgent responses from the United States. US Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, expressed deep concern, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “We are urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death.” The US Department of State echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing their priority on protecting American citizens. Meanwhile, Turkey issued a strong condemnation, accusing Israel of using intimidation tactics to silence those who support Palestinians. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs vowed accountability, stating that Israeli authorities “will be held accountable before international courts.”

Eygi’s death is part of a larger, troubling pattern of violence in the West Bank, where clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces have intensified since the war in Gaza erupted. The situation has been exacerbated by Israeli settler violence, which has led to more protests and growing international concern over Israel’s actions.

Nablus Governor Ghassan Daghlas has vowed to submit all legal measures to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to Eygi’s killing. The international community, including organizations like the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor and the UK-based Peace and Justice Project, has voiced its outrage. They pointed out that Israel’s repeated promises to investigate itself often lead to little accountability, and only international pressure and sanctions may effectively address these ongoing violations of human rights.

The United Nations also weighed in on the matter, with UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric calling for a full investigation into Eygi’s death and emphasizing that “civilians must be protected at all times.”

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s life may have been tragically cut short, but her legacy will live on through the continued fight for justice and human rights in Palestine. As the world mourns her passing, her story serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and struggles faced by Palestinians in the occupied territories, and of the brave individuals who stand with them.