Turkey Probes Death of Activist in West Bank, Father Urges US Action

In a recent development, Turkey has launched an investigation into the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist killed by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. The incident, which occurred on September 5, 2024, has sparked international concern and calls for accountability.

Mehmet Suat Eygi, the father of the deceased, expressed satisfaction with Turkey's decision to investigate what he termed an "arbitrary murder." He urged the United States to follow suit, emphasizing his daughter's American citizenship and upbringing. "She studied in the schools there, she grew up with freedoms there. She is a citizen of that country," he stated, hoping for equal sensitivity from the American government.

The West Bank, a landlocked territory under Israeli occupation, has been a focal point of conflict and international scrutiny. Israeli settlements in the area are widely considered illegal under international law, with the United Nations repeatedly condemning these activities.

Turkey's Justice Minister, Yilmaz Tunc, announced that the Ankara Chief Prosecutor's Office would lead the probe. The Turkish government plans to seek international arrest warrants for those responsible and present findings to the International Court of Justice, which is currently hearing a case against Israel filed by South Africa.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi's life was marked by a commitment to environmental and human rights causes. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in psychology, she traveled to countries like Brazil, Australia, and Mexico to advocate for these issues. Her father described her as a "special person" who chose to pursue her ideals over a comfortable life.

The family's perspective on the incident is one of deliberate targeting. Ali Tikkin, a relative, stated, "There was no error or accident. I think it was a message to the world." This view contrasts with the Israeli military's preliminary report suggesting the shooting was "indirect and unintentional."

Eygi's body is expected to arrive in Turkey on September 13, 2024, after being flown from Tel Aviv to Baku, Azerbaijan. The burial is likely to take place in Didim, a popular tourist destination on Turkey's Aegean coast, where Eygi spent vacations with family.

The incident has further strained the already tense diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel. It also highlights the complex issues surrounding dual citizenship, as both Turkey and the United States recognize this status.

As the investigation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with many calling for a thorough and transparent inquiry into the circumstances of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi's death.

"She could have enjoyed a comfortable life, but she pursued her ideals. She left everything and went to the hell of the Middle East. She was that idealistic."

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the West Bank and the risks faced by activists working in conflict zones. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing human rights concerns and ensuring justice for victims of violence.