In a recent statement, President Joe Biden addressed the tragic incident involving an American-Turkish protester in the West Bank. The President emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and preventive measures to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
The incident in question took place on September 6, 2024, in Beita, a Palestinian village near Nablus. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old dual American-Turkish citizen, lost her life during a protest against Israeli settlement expansion. Israeli authorities have stated that her death was accidental.
Biden expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating:
"There must be full accountability. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again."
The President's remarks come in the context of ongoing tensions in the West Bank, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. With approximately 3 million Palestinians residing in the area, the region has been a focal point of conflict and international concern.
Biden also addressed the broader issue of violence in the West Bank, criticizing both "extremist Israeli settlers" and "Palestinian terrorists." This statement follows a call from top U.S. officials on September 10, 2024, for an overhaul of Israeli military conduct in the occupied territory.
The United States, historically Israel's strongest ally and largest military aid provider, has reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution under the Biden administration. However, the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements, considered illegal under international law, continues to be a significant obstacle to peace negotiations.
With over 130 Israeli settlements in the West Bank, areas like Beita have become hotspots for frequent protests. These demonstrations often involve stone-throwing and tire-burning, while Israeli security forces have faced criticism for their use of force against protesters.
President Biden emphasized his commitment to holding all extremists accountable, regardless of their affiliation. This stance aligns with the United States' role as a key mediator in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, a position it has held for decades.
As the investigation into Eygi's death continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex and volatile situation in the West Bank. The international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly called for an end to Israeli settlement activities, with the International Court of Justice declaring the Israeli West Bank barrier illegal in a 2004 advisory opinion.
The Biden administration's response to this tragedy underscores the delicate balance it must maintain in its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as it seeks to promote peace and stability in the region while addressing human rights concerns and supporting its long-standing ally.