President Joe Biden has issued a strong condemnation of Israeli forces following the death of Aysenur Eygi, a Turkish American activist, in the occupied West Bank. The incident, which occurred approximately one week ago, has prompted a shift in the President's tone regarding Israel's military operations in the region.
In a statement released on September 11, 2024, Biden expressed his outrage and deep sadness over Eygi's death, emphasizing that "Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again." The President's remarks reflect a growing concern over the prolonged violence in the West Bank, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967.
Aysenur Eygi, 26, was reportedly participating in a peaceful protest against illegal settlements when she was fatally shot in the head by Israeli soldiers. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have acknowledged their involvement in her death, describing it as a "tragic error resulting from an unnecessary escalation."
"The shooting that led to her death is totally unacceptable."
The President's forceful comments come amid ongoing tensions in the region. The West Bank, home to approximately 3 million Palestinians, has seen an increase in violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents. There are currently over 130 Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.
In addition to addressing Eygi's death, Biden highlighted the broader issues plaguing the area. He criticized violent extremist Israeli settlers for uprooting Palestinians from their homes and condemned Palestinian terrorists for car bomb attacks on civilians. The President reaffirmed his commitment to holding all extremists accountable, regardless of their nationality.
The incident has also drawn attention from other high-ranking U.S. officials. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for "fundamental changes" in the IDF's operations in the West Bank, including its rules of engagement.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate in Gaza. Palestinian authorities reported that Israeli forces killed at least 24 people in recent airstrikes across central and southern Gaza and in the West Bank. The Gaza Health Ministry states that since the war began, at least 41,020 people have been killed and 94,925 injured in Gaza.
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has persisted for over seven decades, remains a complex and contentious issue. Despite numerous peace efforts, including the Oslo Accords signed in 1993, a resolution remains elusive. The United States, as a key mediator in the conflict, continues to face challenges in promoting a peaceful solution.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with hopes for a peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict seemingly distant. The recent events serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for dialogue and compromise to address the root causes of the ongoing violence in the region.