All about Israel’s latest victim: Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist, was shot and killed by an Israeli sniper during a protest against illegal Israeli settlements in the town of Beita, near Nablus in the West Bank on Sept. 6, 2024.

Eygi’s death has sparked international outrage and calls for accountability as her body awaits repatriation to Türkiye. Eygi, a recent graduate of the University of Washington, had traveled to the West Bank to join other international activists in supporting Palestinian resistance to the expansion of Israeli settlements.

Who was Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi?

Activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was born in Antalya, Türkiye, in 1998 and moved to Seattle, Washington, with her family as a child. A promising student, Eygi pursued a double major in psychology and Middle Eastern languages at the University of Washington, graduating in June 2024.

Her involvement in human rights advocacy began during her university years, where she volunteered for numerous social justice causes, including the anti-Trump movement “Seattle Socialist Alternative” and community service projects supporting marginalized groups.

Following her graduation, Eygi joined the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a Palestinian-led organization known for its non-violent resistance to Israeli occupation.

Her activism in the West Bank was a continuation of her commitment to global human rights, a passion she described on her LinkedIn profile: “I am driven by a passion for making a positive impact.”

Like American activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed by Israeli forces in 2003, Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi became a symbol of international solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Israel’s victim Turkish activist’s final moments at Beita protest

Eygi’s tragic death occurred during a peaceful demonstration against the expansion of the illegal Israeli settlement Evyatar near the Palestinian village of Beita.

According to Mariam, an Italian activist who was with Eygi at the time, the protest took place in an olive grove, with Israeli soldiers stationed on the rooftop of a nearby Palestinian house.

Activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi and the other demonstrators were retreating after Israeli forces began dispersing the crowd with tear gas and live bullets. Eygi was standing under an olive tree when two shots rang out. One hit a metal object, while the other struck Eygi in the head, leaving her unconscious.

“We were clearly visible to the soldiers, and we weren’t doing anything,” Mariam recounted. “One of my friends called my name, and when I turned, Aysenur was lying on the ground. We rushed her to the hospital, but it was too late. She died from her injuries.” Eygi was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Rafidia Hospital in Nablus.

Activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s role in Palestinian cause

Eygi had only been in the West Bank for a week before her death, but she was deeply committed to supporting Palestinian farmers, who have long been subjected to violence by Israeli settlers.

She was participating in the Fazaa campaign, which provides international civilian protection to Palestinians living under constant threat from settlers and the Israeli army.

Eygi’s dedication to non-violent resistance mirrored that of other ISM activists, such as Rachel Corrie and Tom Hurndall, both of whom were killed by Israeli forces while protesting the occupation.

Eygi’s death is the latest in a series of attacks on international activists. As tensions have escalated in the West Bank, violence against both Palestinians and those standing in solidarity with them has surged.

Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, settler violence has intensified, making activists like Eygi victims of Israeli military action.

Türkiye, global reactions to activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi becoming Israel’s victim

The response to Eygi’s killing has been swift and widespread. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a continuation of its occupation policies.

“Israel’s barbaric response to peaceful protests cannot go unpunished. We will ensure that those responsible for killing Aysenur are held accountable,” Erdogan stated on X (formerly Twitter).

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli confirmed that Türkiye is working closely with local authorities to expedite the repatriation of Eygi’s body. Due to road closures imposed by Israeli forces, Türkiye is exploring the possibility of transporting her body directly by air.

Keceli emphasized that the Turkish Consulate in Jerusalem and the consulate in Los Angeles are coordinating with Eygi’s family to complete the process as swiftly as possible. Eygi’s family has requested an independent investigation into her death, citing concerns that an Israeli inquiry would not provide justice.

The U.S. government has also called for an investigation into Eygi’s death. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew said the Biden administration is “deeply disturbed” by the killing and is gathering more information.

However, activists and political commentators have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of an Israeli-led investigation, noting previous incidents where U.S. citizens killed by Israeli forces have not resulted in accountability.

Repatriation, funeral arrangements of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

Efforts to bring Eygi’s body home have been complicated by the political situation on the ground. Israeli authorities closed land crossings from the West Bank to Jordan shortly after the protest, delaying the transfer of Eygi’s remains.

However, Turkish officials are working to bypass these restrictions by arranging an air transfer directly to Türkiye. Once her body is returned, a public funeral will be held in her hometown of Didim, in the Aydin province.

Eygi’s family, devastated by her loss, has called for international pressure on Israel to cease its occupation and end the targeting of civilians and activists alike. Her mother, Rabia Birden Eygi, speaking to Turkish media, said, “My daughter died fighting for what she believed in – justice and freedom. Her life was stolen, but her voice will not be silenced.”

Legacy of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi is now being remembered as a martyr for peace, much like Rachel Corrie, whose name remains synonymous with international solidarity with Palestinians.

Protests in Seattle and across the globe have erupted in response to Eygi’s death, with demonstrators demanding justice and an end to Israeli occupation. Signs with slogans such as “Justice for Aysenur” and “We are all Aysenur” were held high during vigils in the United States and Europe.

International rights groups have joined Eygi’s family in calling for an independent investigation into her killing. The U.N. has also urged Israeli authorities to fully investigate the circumstances of Eygi’s death and ensure accountability.

“Civilians must be protected at all times,” said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric. “This was a senseless and tragic loss of life, and it cannot be ignored.”

While tensions in the West Bank continue to rise, with over 700,000 Israeli settlers living in illegal settlements, Eygi’s death demonstrates the dangers faced by activists and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights.