US VP Kamala Harris calls for accountability in killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American citizen, by Israeli forces in the West Bank, describing the incident as a “tragic mistake.” Harris also called for transparency in the investigation.

Kamala Harris’ statement regarding killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

Speaking on the incident, Harris remarked, “Aysenur Eygi’s death is a tragic incident that should never have happened.” She emphasized that “no one should be killed for participating in a peaceful protest.”

The killing of Aysenur Eygi is a horrific tragedy that never should have happened. Doug and I are keeping her family and loved ones in our prayers. Aysenur was peacefully protesting in the West Bank—standing up against the expansion of settlements—when her young life was senselessly cut short. No one should be killed for participating in a peaceful protest. The shooting that led to her death is unacceptable and raises legitimate questions about the conduct of IDF personnel in the West Bank.  Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

Israel’s preliminary investigation indicated it was the result of a tragic error for which the IDF is responsible. We will continue to press the government of Israel for answers and for continued access to the findings of the investigation so we can have confidence in the results. There must be full accountability.

The United States will continue to hold accountable anyone in the West Bank – Israelis and Palestinians – who stokes violence and undermines peace and stability.

US Vice President Kamala Harris

Who was Aysenur Ezgi Eygi?

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist, was shot and killed by an Israeli soldier 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.

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.

IDF’s findings regarding 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