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The family of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old American activist who was reportedly shot and killed by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops during a protest near Nablus in the northern West Bank, is calling for an independent investigation into her death.
Eygi, originally from Turkey, was an active member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a group known for its advocacy for Palestinian rights.
According to her family, Eygi was killed while participating in a peaceful demonstration, an assertion supported by video evidence that allegedly shows the fatal shot coming from an IDF soldier.
In a statement released following the incident, Eygi’s family expressed their outrage and grief.
“Her presence in our lives was taken needlessly, unlawfully, and violently by the Israeli military,” the statement reads. The family has accused the IDF of acting with excessive force and has demanded accountability.
The statement further called on U.S. government officials, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to intervene.
“We call on President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary of State Blinken to order an independent investigation into the unlawful killing of a U.S. citizen and to ensure full accountability for the guilty parties,” the family urged.
The IDF has responded to the incident by stating that it is conducting an internal investigation.
The military has not yet provided further details on the findings or the nature of the investigation. However, the statement from the IDF emphasized the complexity of the situation and the need for thorough review.
Eygi’s death has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and activists.
The International Solidarity Movement has issued a statement calling for justice and demanding an end to what it describes as the disproportionate use of force by the Israeli military.
The group also urged for international pressure to be applied to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation.
The U.S. State Department has not yet commented on the specific request from Eygi’s family. However, the department has previously expressed concern over incidents involving American citizens and has called for adherence to international human rights standards.
The incident has further intensified scrutiny of the Israeli military’s conduct in the West Bank, where tensions remain high between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters.
Eygi’s death adds to the list of casualties in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the fragile and often volatile nature of the region.
As the investigation proceeds, Eygi’s family and supporters continue to demand justice for her death, hoping that an independent inquiry will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and hold those responsible accountable.