A memorial procession commenced on September 8, 2024, for Aysenur Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish American activist who reportedly lost her life during a demonstration in the West Bank. The incident has reignited discussions about the ongoing tensions in the region, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967.
Eygi was participating in a protest against settlement expansion near Nablus, one of the largest cities in the West Bank, when the incident occurred. The International Solidarity Movement, an organization founded in 2001 to support Palestinian rights, confirmed that Eygi had recently arrived in the area to volunteer with their group.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry is working to repatriate Eygi's body to Turkey, as per her family's request. However, the process has been complicated by the closure of land borders between the West Bank and Jordan, following a separate incident where three Israelis were killed at a crossing point.
"Per the family's request, we are exploring the option of flying the body with a plane directly to Turkey to avoid delays in the transfer."
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), established in 1948, acknowledged using force at the protest but stated they are investigating reports of a foreign national's death. The White House expressed deep concern over the incident.
In related news, a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is facing challenges due to the ongoing conflict. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), founded in 1949, is working to immunize children in the region. The World Health Organization aims to vaccinate approximately 150,000 children in northern Gaza, contributing to global polio eradication efforts.
The Gaza Strip, under blockade since 2007, continues to face humanitarian challenges. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 40,972 people have been killed and 94,761 injured since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. The majority of casualties are reported to be women and children.
Meanwhile, Syria has accused Israel of conducting airstrikes near the city of Masyaf, known for its medieval castle. The attack reportedly resulted in 14 fatalities and 43 injuries. The IDF has not commented on these allegations, maintaining its standard policy of not confirming overseas operations.
As tensions persist, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions and humanitarian aid in the region.