The United Nations is demanding a comprehensive investigation into the death of a US-Turkish woman during a protest in the occupied West Bank on Friday. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, was participating in a demonstration against Jewish settlement expansion in the town of Beita, near Nablus, when Israeli forces reportedly opened fire.
Local reports indicate that Ms. Eygi was struck by bullets fired by Israeli troops. Israel’s military has acknowledged the incident, stating it is examining reports following the fatal shooting of a foreign national in the area. Eyewitness accounts describe hearing multiple shots during the protest, raising concerns about the use of live ammunition.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We call for a thorough investigation of the circumstances.” He reiterated that civilian protection must always be a priority. The United States government has also voiced its concern, calling the incident “deeply disturbing” and seeking further information from Israeli officials.
Eyewitness Jonathan Pollak reported observing soldiers aiming from elevated positions and heard two shots fired. He recounted rushing to assist Ms. Eygi, who was found severely injured beneath an olive tree. Medical personnel transported her to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead due to a gunshot wound to the head, according to the hospital’s director.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed sorrow over the loss, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the Israeli actions as “barbaric.” The Turkish foreign ministry has stated that Ms. Eygi was killed by Israeli occupation forces.
Ms. Eygi had recently graduated from the University of Washington and was described by school officials as having a positive impact on her peers. Born in Antalya, Turkey, she was reported to be participating in her first protest with a pro-Palestinian organization.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) justified their actions by stating that troops had responded to threats from protesters, claiming stone-throwing was involved. However, eyewitnesses, including Pollak, argued that soldiers were not in immediate danger at the time of the shooting.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of intensified violence in the region, with reports stating that at least 36 Palestinians were killed during a recent military operation in Jenin and its refugee camp. The ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank has drawn criticism, as such developments are widely regarded as illegal under international law.
