Israel: Forces Likely Unintentionally Killed American Activist in West Bank

RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that the death of an American activist in the West Bank last week was likely the result of indirect fire from its forces, which were reportedly targeting another individual during the incident.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old activist with dual American and Turkish citizenship, was fatally shot on Friday while participating in a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the occupied territory. Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli protester who witnessed the event, commented on the situation, stating that the shooting occurred approximately thirty minutes after earlier confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinians had ceased.

In an official statement, the Israeli military expressed its “deepest regret” regarding Eygi’s death, indicating that an investigation revealed it was highly probable that she was hit unintentionally and indirectly by gunfire aimed at another protester designated as a key instigator during the riot.

Eygi was involved with the International Solidarity Movement and attended a regularly scheduled protest against the expansion of Israeli settlements, which have historically provoked responses from both Israeli forces and demonstrators, leading to confrontations marked by violence.

The incident occurs amidst an escalation of violence in the West Bank, following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October. Palestinian health officials report that over 690 Palestinians have died amid a surge of Israeli military operations, assaults by Palestinian militants against Israelis, and violent clashes involving settlers and Palestinians.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Eygi’s killing during a news conference in London, labeling it “unprovoked and unjustified.” He stated, “No one should be shot while attending a protest,” and emphasized that Israeli security forces need to implement fundamental changes in their operations within the West Bank.

The Palestinian Authority organized a funeral procession for Eygi in Nablus on Monday. Turkish officials have confirmed they are in the process of facilitating the return of her body to Turkey for burial in Didim, as per her family’s wishes.

Deaths of U.S. citizens in the West Bank have garnered international scrutiny, particularly highlighted by the fatal shooting of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in 2022. Investigations conducted shortly after her death indicated that she was likely killed by Israeli gunfire. Even though the military later acknowledged there was a “high probability” that one of its soldiers had mistakenly shot her, no disciplinary actions were taken against anyone involved.

Earlier in 2022, a senior officer was reprimanded and two others reassigned following the death of Omar Assad, a 78-year-old Palestinian-American who had been detained and left bound and blindfolded by Israeli troops. The military stated that soldiers mistakenly believed Assad was unconscious when they released him, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome.

In contrast, investigations into the deaths of Palestinians without dual nationality often receive less attention and scrutiny. Human rights organizations assert that Israel seldom holds its soldiers accountable for the killings of Palestinians, suggesting that military inquiries frequently exhibit a pattern of perceived impunity. B’Tselem, a prominent Israeli human rights group, has expressed frustration with this system, going as far as to cease its participation in investigations after labeling them a whitewash.

While the military contends that it conducts thorough investigations regarding civilian casualties and holds its personnel accountable, it argues that soldiers typically need to make split-second decisions in volatile environments where militants may be among civilians.

In a remarkable instance, an Israeli court acquitted a Border Police officer charged with reckless manslaughter for the 2020 shooting of Eyad Hallaq, a 32-year-old autistic Palestinian man. This case drew comparisons to the police killing of George Floyd in the United States, highlighting the contentious nature of military accountability.

Furthermore, in 2017, the Israeli soldier Elor Azaria, found guilty of manslaughter for killing an incapacitated Palestinian attacker in Hebron, served only nine months in prison. This case sparked a national debate, as many rallied in support of Azaria, arguing that he acted correctly under dangerous circumstances, while the military maintained that his actions violated ethical codes.

Eygi’s death now adds to the rising list of fatalities that provoke questions about military conduct and accountability in the region.

Source: AP