American Activist Aysenur Eygi Killed in Israeli-Occupied West Bank, Officials Confirm
A 26-year-old American citizen, Aysenur Eygi, has been shot and killed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to statements from Palestinian officials and the US State Department.
The incident occurred amidst rising tensions in the region, as Eygi was reportedly participating in a protest near Nablus. Doctors at Rafidia Hospital confirmed that Eygi arrived with a fatal gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead shortly after.
In a statement, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that they had fired at demonstrators in the area but have not confirmed whether armed individuals were present at the scene. The IDF reported that they responded with live fire towards a “main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat.” An investigation into Eygi’s death and the possibility that a foreign national was killed by IDF fire is underway.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed condolences to Eygi’s family and confirmed that the US is “urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death.” He emphasized that the safety of American citizens in the West Bank remains a top priority.
The incident has drawn condemnation from both Palestinian officials and the Turkish foreign ministry, as Eygi held dual American and Turkish citizenship.
Eygi’s death has escalated tensions in the volatile region, prompting calls for a thorough investigation. US authorities have promised to ensure a detailed inquiry into the shooting, while international agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.
