White House Urges Inquiry into Killing of Ayşenur Eygi by Israeli Forces

The White House expressed deep concern regarding the death of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old American citizen, who was shot in the head by Israeli troops during a protest against settlements in the occupied West Bank. This incident has sparked significant reactions from the international community.

Eygi, who held dual citizenship in the United States and Turkey, was a volunteer peace activist associated with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). Reports indicate she was fatally shot during a protest against settlement expansion in Beita, near Nablus.

The ISM organization reported that Eygi was “intentionally shot and killed” by Israeli forces during the demonstration, which primarily consisted of men and children gathered in prayer. The protest was reportedly met with violence from Israeli army personnel, who were stationed on a nearby hill. Eygi passed away shortly after being taken to a local hospital in Nablus.

The family of Eygi has requested privacy as they mourn her loss, emphasizing the need for space to grieve during this tragic time.

The U.S. government has not confirmed whether Eygi was indeed shot by Israeli troops. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, stated that officials are actively gathering information on the circumstances surrounding her death and will provide further updates as they learn more.

Jacob Lew, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, conveyed his condolences to Eygi’s family and underscored that the safety and security of American citizens is a top priority. The White House has reached out to the Israeli government, calling for a full investigation into Eygi’s death, with spokesperson Sean Savett expressing deep disturbance regarding the incident.

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, labeled the situation a “tragic loss” and pledged to share further details as they become available. “We will act as necessary,” he added, indicating federal commitment to addressing the situation.

In Turkey, Eygi’s death has also been met with grief. The Turkish foreign ministry expressed sorrow over the killing of a Turkish national, while President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the actions of the Israeli forces, describing them as a “barbaric intervention” against a civilian protest.

The Israeli military has admitted to opening fire at the protesters and is currently investigating the reports of a foreign national’s death. The Israel Defense Forces stated that they responded with fire towards a “main instigator” who was allegedly hurling rocks and posed a threat to their safety.

Eygi recently graduated from the University of Washington, where she was recognized as an exceptional student and a peer mentor. According to Aria Fani, an assistant professor of Middle Eastern languages and cultures, he had advised Eygi against going to the West Bank due to safety concerns just a couple of months prior to the incident.

The president of the University of Washington, Ana Mari Cauce, termed Eygi’s death “awful” and called for an end to the ongoing crisis in the West Bank. She extended her condolences to the family of Eygi, expressing solidarity during this difficult time.

U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal described Eygi’s death as a “terrible tragedy.” In her statement, she affirmed that her office is actively seeking additional information about the events leading to Eygi’s death and expressed her concerns regarding the involvement of the Israeli Defense Forces.

According to the Associated Press, Eygi is the third ISM activist killed since 2000 and the 18th demonstrator claimed in Beita since 2020. Past incidents, including the deaths of American activist Rachel Corrie and British activist Tom Hurndall, underline the risks faced by individuals involved in such protests.

Earlier this August, another American activist reported being shot in the leg by Israeli forces during a protest in Beita. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions at these demonstrations, where participants frequently face severe repercussions.