Beita, West Bank – Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old American-Turkish human rights activist, was tragically killed by Israeli forces during a protest against West Bank settlement expansions in Beita, south of Nablus. Eygi, a well-known advocate for Palestinian rights, was shot in the head by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) while participating in a peaceful demonstration on Friday. She was rushed to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Eygi was a prominent member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a Palestinian-led organization that seeks to promote non-violent resistance to the Israeli occupation. Additionally, she was actively involved in the Faz’a campaign, which supports Palestinian farmers facing violence and land seizures by settlers and the Israeli military.
Eygi’s death has drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinian leaders, international human rights organizations, and fellow activists. Her involvement in the struggle for Palestinian rights had made her a respected figure in activist circles, both in the Middle East and internationally.
“We have lost a courageous soul who stood for justice and human dignity,” said a spokesperson from ISM. “Aysenur’s tireless efforts to support the Palestinian people and defend their land from occupation will not be forgotten. She gave her life in the pursuit of justice, and we must continue her work.”
Eygi’s death has been compared to that of American activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed in 2003 while trying to prevent an Israeli bulldozer from demolishing a Palestinian home in Gaza. Like Corrie, Eygi’s involvement in the movement was motivated by her belief in human rights and non-violent resistance. Both activists’ deaths have become symbolic of the high cost of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
In response to the fatal incident, several international organizations have called for an investigation into the use of lethal force by Israeli soldiers. The Palestinian Authority, in a statement, denounced the killing as another example of the “brutality of the occupation” and called for international intervention to hold Israel accountable for the actions of its military.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, expressing “deep regret” over the loss of a Turkish citizen and urging the international community to take action against “the excessive use of force by Israeli soldiers against peaceful protesters.”
Eygi’s killing occurred amidst growing tensions in the West Bank, where protests against settlement expansions have become a regular occurrence. Israeli settlements in the West Bank, considered illegal under international law, have been a focal point of conflict between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, who see the expansions as an existential threat to their land and sovereignty.
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s activism was rooted in a deep sense of justice and solidarity with oppressed communities. Born to a Turkish family, she grew up in the United States, where she became involved in human rights advocacy. Her commitment to the Palestinian cause led her to join the International Solidarity Movement, traveling to the West Bank to stand with local communities affected by settler violence and military occupation.
Friends and colleagues remember Eygi as a passionate and determined advocate who was willing to put herself in harm’s way to defend what she believed in. “Aysenur was fearless,” said a fellow activist. “She believed in peace, in justice, and in standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. Her presence was a force of light in the darkest of situations.”
Like Rachel Corrie and other international activists before her, Eygi’s death highlights the dangers faced by those who seek to challenge the Israeli occupation through non-violent resistance. Her legacy, however, will continue to inspire others to take up the cause of justice and human rights in Palestine and beyond.
“Her death is a profound loss, not only for her family and friends but for the entire global human rights community,” said a spokesperson from Amnesty International. “Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s courage and dedication remind us all of the power of standing in solidarity with those who are oppressed, no matter the cost.”
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