American Activist's Death in West Bank Sparks Controversy and Calls for Investigation
Aysenur Eygi, a Turkish American, was fatally shot during a protest in Beita. The incident has raised questions about IDF's rules of engagement and strained U.S.-Israel relations, prompting calls for an independent inquiry.
The fatal shooting of Aysenur Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish American activist, during a demonstration in the West Bank village of Beita on September 6, 2023, has ignited controversy and strained U.S.-Israel relations. The incident, which occurred approximately one year ago, continues to raise questions about the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) rules of engagement in the occupied territories.
Beita, located near Nablus, has been a focal point of tensions between Palestinian residents and Israeli settlers. The village has witnessed regular protests against the nearby Evyatar outpost, which was established in 2021 and legalized by the Israeli government in June 2023, despite being considered illegal under international law.
According to a Washington Post investigation, Eygi was shot more than 30 minutes after the main confrontations had subsided and protesters had retreated over 200 yards from Israeli forces. This finding contradicts the IDF's initial statement that Eygi was likely hit unintentionally by fire aimed at a "key instigator" during a "violent riot."
Eyewitnesses reported that Eygi, participating in her first West Bank demonstration, had expressed nervousness and a desire to maintain a safe distance from any potential conflict. Despite her caution, she became a casualty in a region that has seen escalating violence since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The incident has drawn attention to the IDF's rules of engagement in the West Bank, which remain confidential. Joel Carmel, advocacy director of Breaking the Silence, an organization of IDF veterans, stated that soldiers are given broad latitude to open fire, including based on speculation about future threats.
"It was totally unacceptable. The preliminary investigation has indicated that it was the result of a tragic error resulting from an unnecessary escalation."
The U.S. government's response has been notably critical. President Joe Biden called Eygi's death "totally unacceptable," while Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israeli security forces to make "fundamental changes" in their West Bank operations.
Eygi's family has called for an independent, transparent investigation into her death, expressing dissatisfaction with the current inquiry. The incident has become a test case for U.S.-Israel relations, adding to existing tensions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israeli policies in the West Bank.
As international observers continue to participate in West Bank demonstrations to show solidarity with Palestinians, Eygi's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved and the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The incident underscores the need for a thorough examination of military practices in civilian areas and renewed efforts towards a peaceful resolution in the region.
