Israel confirms Aysenur Ezgi Eygi killed in West Bank by IDF fire
This undated family photo provided by the International Solidarity Movement on September 6, 2024, shows Aysenur Ezgi Eygi of Seattle. (AP Photo)
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 September 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.
IDF’s findings regarding the killing Turkish-American activist
Israel Defense Force (IDF) released a statement regarding the killing Turkish-American activist, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. IDF said, “Israel has sent a request to carry out an autopsy.” and continued, “The IDF expresses its deepest regret over the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi.”
The full statement:
An inquiry has been conducted by IDF commanders into the incident in which a foreign national, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, was killed at the Beita Junction in Samaria last Friday.
The inquiry found that it is highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot. The incident took place during a violent riot in which dozens of Palestinian suspects burned tires and hurled rocks toward security forces at the Beita Junction.
Following the incident, an investigation was launched by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID). The findings will be submitted for review by the Military Advocate General’s Corps upon its conclusion.
IDF
According to the IDF’s statement, Eygi was likely shot by “indirect and unintended IDF fire,” which was originally aimed at a primary instigator of the street incidents.
Israeli military police investigation launched
Besides the IDF’s internal investigation, a Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID) probe has been launched to further investigate the circumstances of Eygi‘s killing.
The results of this investigation will be submitted to the Military Advocate General for review. The Israeli military has also requested permission to conduct an autopsy on Eygi‘s body.
Who was Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi?
Activist 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.
