The killing of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Eygi by Israeli forces in the northern occupied West Bank has ignited global condemnation.
The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor expressed “huge shock” at Eygi’s death, which reportedly occurred when she was shot in the head during a protest.
In a statement on X, the organization stated, “We received with a huge shock the news of Israel’s killing of US-Turkish activist Aysenur Eygi with a direct shot to the head in the occupied West Bank.”
They forecasted that Israel’s response would likely consist of a promise to investigate, alongside calls for accountability from the international community, which they described as a “tired sham,” suggesting such inquiries have previously proven ineffective whenever the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have faced allegations of wrongdoing. “Only sanctions can deter such atrocities!” they emphasized.
Ramy Abdu, the chairperson of Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, paid tribute to Eygi on X, stating, “Goodbye Aysenur Ezgil (1998–2024). Killed by an Israeli soldier, shot in the head.”
Meanwhile, Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, offered his condolences and called for urgent international action. “We are devastated to learn that she has succumbed to her wounds. May she rest in eternal power and peace, and may her killers be held accountable,” he remarked.
Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, also expressed her dismay, highlighting the futility of calls for accountability directed at Israel.
She stated, “While calls on Israel for accountability will inevitably fall on deaf ears, as do calls on Hamas for accountability for its crimes, I don’t know how states that support the right to defend human rights can continue to provide weapons to Israel when this is what they are used for.”
The British-based Peace and Justice Project commented on X, stating, “US citizen Aysenur Ezgi Eygi has been murdered by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank whilst protesting illegal settlements.
This is the result of an emboldened Israel, committing acts of ethnic cleansing with the support of UK and US governments.”
Ofer Cassif, a member of the Knesset from the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, also took to X, asserting, “Shot by Israeli soldier, using American weapons. Another day of genocidal occupation and apartheid routine. End the occupation! It kills!”
French lawmaker Thomas Portes, from the La France Insoumise party, added his voice to the rising criticism, declaring that these incidents have become “enough,” and called upon France to immediately summon the Israeli ambassador in Paris.
Eygi was shot dead on Friday during a protest against the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in Beita, located in the Nablus district of the occupied West Bank.
