UN calls for full investigation into death of Turkish-American activist in West Bank
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather at Westlake Park and marched on streets to protest against Israel, in Seattle, Washington, United States on September 7, 2024 (AA Photo)
The United Nations (U.N.) has called for a comprehensive investigation into the death of Aysenur Egzi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist, who was fatally shot by Israeli forces while participating in an anti-settlement protest in the West Bank.
Eygi‘s death has drawn significant international attention, sparking calls for justice and accountability from all over the world.
Eygi was involved in a demonstration in Nablus, West Bank when the fatal shooting occurred. According to reports from the Associated Press, the incident took place amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Eygi’s death has led human rights organizations and international bodies to demand a transparent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
UN calls for full investigation
During a recent press briefing, United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized the need for an exhaustive inquiry. “We strongly advocate for a full investigation into the incident,” Dujarric stated.
He also highlighted the importance of civilian protection in conflict zones, saying: “Civilians must be safeguarded, irrespective of the prevailing conditions.”
The White House has also voiced its concerns over the incident. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett described Eygi’s death as “deeply disturbing,” noting that the U.S. government has reached out to Israeli officials to seek more information.
The White House has requested a detailed investigation to determine what led to the activist’s death and ensure that accountability is established.
In an official statement released Friday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed “deep sorrow” over the death of Eygi, who held both Turkish and U.S. citizenship. “We condemn this murder committed by the Netanyahu government,” the ministry stated.
Israeli Defense Forces statement
In its response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its forces were responding to what they described as a “main instigator” of violent activity and claimed that Eygi had posed a threat by throwing rocks.
The IDF added it was investigating reports that a foreign national had been killed during the incident.
International community’s call for justice
The call for a thorough and transparent investigation from both the U.N. and the U.S. underscores the international community’s demand for justice and accountability in cases involving civilian deaths in conflict zones.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep concern over the death of a Turkish-American citizen in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, vowing that the U.S. would take appropriate action once more information is available.
“We deplore this tragic loss,” Blinken said during a press conference in the Dominican Republic. “When we have more info, we will share it, make it available and, as necessary, we’ll act on it.”
White House also claimed to be “deeply disturbed” and requested Israel to investigate the shooting.
‘Biden administration to condemn killing’
A prominent Muslim-American advocacy group has condemned the killing of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi by Israeli forces in the West Bank.
“We strongly condemn the Israeli apartheid government for murdering American citizen Aysenur Ezgi Eygi while she peacefully protested its human rights abuses in the Occupied West Bank,” said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, National Deputy Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), in a statement to Anadolu Agency (AA).
Mitchell called on the Biden administration to condemn the killing, prosecute those responsible, and halt military aid to Israel.
‘Another crime added to the series of crimes’
Eygi’s death has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian officials and activist groups. Ghassan Daghlas, the governor of Nablus, decried the incident, calling it an example of “American bullets killing an American,” in reference to U.S. military support for Israel.
Palestinian Liberation Organization executive committee secretary general Hussein al-Sheikh called for those responsible to be held accountable in international courts, adding that Eygi’s death was “another crime added to the series of crimes committed daily by the occupation forces.”
Meanwhile, Hamas condemned what it described as a “heinous crime” committed by the Israeli army, drawing parallels between Eygi’s death and the killing of Rachel Corrie, an ISM volunteer who was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza in 2003.
