Hundreds gathered in Didim, western Turkey, to mourn the death of activist Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a dual US-Turkish citizen fatally shot in the occupied West Bank. The funeral featured a guard of honour as Eygi’s coffin was carried through the streets, highlighting the strong community support.
Eygi, 26, was reportedly killed during a protest on September 6, with Israeli authorities claiming it was “highly likely” she was unintentionally struck by their forces. In contrast, Turkish officials maintain that her death was deliberate, escalating tensions between the two nations. Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz was among several dignitaries attending the service, underscoring the incident’s significance in Turkey.
Mourners displayed Palestinian and Turkish flags outside Didim’s Central Mosque, and prominent politicians, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, were present. Kurtulmuş stated, “The blood of Ayşenur Eygi is as sacred as that of every Palestinian martyred,” emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to seeking justice for her death.
Prayers for Eygi resonated in major cities across Turkey such as Istanbul and Ankara. Her mother, Rabia Birden, urged the state to pursue justice, reflecting widespread demands for accountability.
The Israel Defense Forces previously indicated that Eygi was “hit indirectly and unintentionally,” claiming their fire aimed at another target. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the shooting as “unprovoked and unjustified,” reiterating that individuals should not face violence for exercising their right to protest.
Relations between Turkey and Israel have sharply declined since the onset of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023. Turkey halted trade with Israel in May, prompting harsh criticisms from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “the butcher of Gaza.” In turn, Israel’s foreign minister accused Erdoğan of dictatorial behavior in response to the trade suspension.
