US investigates death of Turkish-American activist shot by Israeli forces in West Bank

WASHINGTON — The United States is investigating the circumstances surrounding the “tragic death” of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was fatally shot in the occupied West Bank on Friday.

“We are aware of the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Eygi, today in the West Bank. We offer our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller in a statement.

“We are urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death and will have more to say as we learn more. We have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens.”

Eygi, who held dual citizenship in Türkiye and the United States, was reportedly shot by Israeli forces during a protest against illegal Israeli settlements in Beita, Nablus district, according to eyewitnesses.

She was participating in a demonstration against the illegal settlement of Avitar on Mount Sbeih.

Fouad Nafaa, director of Rafidia Hospital, confirmed that Eygi arrived with a gunshot wound to the head and succumbed to her injuries despite efforts to revive her.

Born in Antalya, Türkiye, in 1998, Eygi was also a volunteer with the Fazaa campaign, an initiative supporting Palestinian farmers against violations by illegal settlers and the Israeli army.

Weekly protests have been held in Beita after Friday prayers, demanding the removal of the Avitar settlement, which locals view as an illegal occupation of their land. — Agencies