The United Nations has called for a “comprehensive investigation” into the killing of a U.S.-Turkish woman in the occupied West Bank during a protest on Friday. Local reports say Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, was shot by Israeli forces while participating in a weekly protest against the expansion of Jewish settlements in the town of Beita near Nablus. Israel’s military stated it was “investigating reports of a foreign national being killed by shots fired in the area.
” Eygi family expressed their shock and grief, describing her as a loving and “fiercely passionate human rights activist.”
The incident took place last week in the northern part of the West Bank, where several people were reportedly shot during a clash between Israeli security forces and Palestinian residents. Eyewitnesses and local officials have raised serious concerns about the excessive use of force and the targeting of unarmed civilians.
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UN Calls for Full Investigation
In response, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the importance of a thorough and impartial investigation. “It is crucial that a full and transparent inquiry is conducted to uncover the facts of this tragic event,” Guterres said during a press briefing. “Civilian lives are at stake, and all parties must be held accountable under international law.”
The UN’s call for an investigation is part of its broader efforts to address the increasing violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The West Bank, a long-standing point of tension, has seen escalating clashes in recent months. This shooting has heightened fear and mistrust within local communities.
Palestinian authorities have condemned the killing, with the Palestinian Authority demanding an international investigation to ensure justice for the victims. “We cannot accept the use of force against our people without proper scrutiny,” said Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesperson for President Mahmoud Abbas. “The international community must act to prevent further loss of innocent lives.”
Israeli officials, meanwhile, defended the actions of their security forces, stating that the use of force was necessary to address a security threat. The Israeli government has pledged to cooperate with any investigation but maintains that its personnel acted in line with the law in response to imminent danger.
The UN’s involvement highlights the international community’s role in addressing conflicts with significant humanitarian consequences. The situation in the West Bank remains highly volatile, with frequent confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents. The UN aims to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly examined to prevent further escalation and uphold human rights.
Human rights organizations have also urged both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to comply with international norms and protect civilians. They argue that impartial investigations are vital for fostering dialogue and reducing tensions in the region.
As the UN calls for a full investigation, the international community is watching closely, hoping this will lead to a clearer understanding of the incident and steps toward lasting peace. The resolution of these conflicts often depends on transparent investigations and the willingness of all parties to address grievances through dialogue rather than violence.
The UN’s call to action underscores the need for continued global efforts to support peacebuilding initiatives and protect human rights in conflict zones. The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact future relations and foster a more stable environment in the West Bank.
US-Turkish Protester Killed in West Bank by Israeli Forces
Eygi’s family is struggling to cope with her loss. “Like the olive tree she lay beneath, where she took her last breaths, Aysenur was strong, beautiful, and nourishing. Her life was taken needlessly, unlawfully, and violently by the Israeli military,” her family said. They described her as a “loving daughter, sister, partner, and aunt” who was “gentle, brave, silly, supportive, and a ray of sunshine.” They added that she “lived a life dedicated to caring for those in need through action.”
According to Turkish media, Eygi was born in Antalya and graduated three months ago from the University of Washington in Seattle, where she studied psychology and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures. Her family said she had been active in student-led protests and felt compelled to travel to the West Bank to “stand in solidarity with Palestinian civilians.”
University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce expressed sorrow over Eygi’s death, calling it “devastating” and remembering her as a “positive influence” on other students.
Israeli forces withdrew from Jenin and its refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Friday after a major nine-day military operation. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 36 Palestinians were killed during that time, with 21 of the victims from Jenin. While most of the deceased were claimed by armed groups, the ministry reports that children were also among the dead.
For the past 50 years, Israel has built settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where over 700,000 Jewish settlers now live. These settlements are considered illegal under international law—a stance held by the UN Security Council and many governments, including the U.K.—though Israel disputes this.
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