Family of American activist Aysenur Eygi calls for independent investigation into her killing by Israeli military

Washington DC (Quds News Network)- The family of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old US citizen killed by an Israeli sniper during a protest in the occupied West Bank, has issued a statement demanding an independent investigation into her death. Aysenur was fatally shot during a peaceful demonstration against Israeli settlements in the village of Beita, south of Nablus, where she had been standing in solidarity with Palestinian farmers.

In an emotional statement, her family expressed their grief and shock, describing Aysenur as a passionate human rights activist who dedicated her life to advocating for justice. The statement highlighted that Aysenur had recently graduated from the University of Washington, where she studied Psychology and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures. She was known for her activism on campus, participating in student-led protests calling for human dignity and an end to occupation in Palestine.

“Aysenur was strong, beautiful, and nourishing, much like the olive tree under which she took her last breaths. Her presence was taken needlessly, unlawfully, and violently by the Israeli military,” the family said. They emphasized that she had been peacefully standing for justice when she was shot by an Israeli military sniper.

The family also called on US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to ensure an independent investigation into the “unlawful killing of a US citizen.” The family criticized an Israeli-led investigation, deeming it inadequate, and demanded full accountability for those responsible.

The incident occurred during a protest in Beita, a flashpoint for weekly peaceful demonstrations against Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank. The Israeli military claimed that its forces had opened fire in response to a “violent instigator” who posed a threat by throwing stones at soldiers. However, Aysenur’s family and witnesses refuted this claim, saying she was peacefully protesting, and video evidence shows she was shot by an Israeli military sniper.

The International Solidarity Movement, of which Aysenur was a member, also rejected the Israeli military’s version of events. They stated that Aysenur was more than 200 meters away from Israeli soldiers at the time and that there was no confrontation leading up to her death. “Aysenur was killed without provocation, and the claim that stones were thrown is completely false,” the organization said in a statement.

The US government has called the incident “tragic” and urged Israel to conduct a thorough investigation. However, Aysenur’s family insists that only an independent probe can ensure justice. “We welcome the White House’s condolences, but given the circumstances of her killing, an Israeli investigation is simply not enough,” they stated.

Beita has been a site of intense protests against the construction of the Israeli settlement Evyatar, which has received support from far-right Israeli ministers. For years, Palestinian activists and international supporters have organized weekly demonstrations, demanding an end to settlement expansion in the occupied territories.

Aysenur’s family has called for privacy as they grieve her loss, while reiterating their call for justice and accountability. “We are grappling with the unimaginable tragedy of losing Aysenur, but we will not rest until those responsible for her death are held to account.”

Aysenur’s killing is the latest in a string of deaths during protests in the West Bank, with many international human rights organizations condemning the Israeli military’s use of lethal force against unarmed demonstrators.