IDF expresses ‘deepest regrets’ over killing of Turkish-American activist in West Bank

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has expressed its “deep regrets” over the killing of Turkish-American activist Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, who was “unintentionally” hit by the forces during a protest in the West Bank according to an internal investigation.

Tuesday September 10 2024 09:07 pm

Duvar English

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sept. 10 issued a statement regarding the death of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, the Turkish-American citizen who was fatally shot in the head by Israeli forces during a protest against illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The IDF noted that initial findings suggested Eygi "most likely" died as a result of an unintended and direct hit from IDF gunfire. The Israeli military expressed its "deepest regret" over Eygi's death and announced that Israel had requested an autopsy.

In a written statement on the IDF's website, the military said commanders conducted an investigation into Eygi's death. The investigation "revealed that the gunfire, which was intended for the main instigator of the riot and not for Eygi, likely struck her directly and unintentionally." The statement added that the incident occurred at the Beita Junction during a violent riot where dozens of Palestinian “suspects” burned tires and threw stones at security forces.

The statement also disclosed that the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID) had launched an investigation following the incident. Once completed, the findings would be submitted to the relevant authorities for review. The statement reiterated that Israel had requested an autopsy and expressed the IDF's "deepest regret" over Eygi's death.

Following the release of this statement, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken also commented on Eygi's death. According to Reuters, Blinken indicated that the IDF's investigation suggested her death was "unprovoked and unjustified." He stated, "No one should be shot and killed for participating in a protest."

The U.S. on Sept. 9 called on Israel to complete a full inquiry into the killing of Eygi.

"Our understanding is that our partners in Israel are looking into the circumstances of what happened, and we expect them to make their findings public and expect that whatever those findings are, expect them to be thorough and transparent," U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told a news briefing.

A funeral was held for Eygi in the Palestinian city of Nablus on Sept. 9, attended by both official and civilian participants. Eygi's body was taken from Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus by international solidarity activists, Palestinians, Turkey's Consul General in Jerusalem Ambassador İsmail Çobanoğlu, Nablus Governor Ghassan Daghlas, and civil society representatives. Her body was carried out of the hospital on shoulders, accompanied by chants and slogans.

A civil and military funeral procession is held for Eygi in Palestine's Nablus province.

Palestinians held banners reading, "May her blood pave the stones of freedom, rest in peace our comrade," alongside Palestinian flags and pictures of Eygi. Palestinian security forces conducted an official ceremony with a marching band as they placed Eygi's body into the ambulance for transport.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement confirming that efforts were ongoing to return Eygi's body to her family.