World
Family Calls for Independent Investigation into American Woman’s Death in West Bank
The family of an American woman who died in the West Bank is calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, seeking justice and transparency in a case that has garnered international attention.
Family Demands Independent Investigation into American Woman’s Death in West Bank Protest
The family of Aysenur Eyzi Eygi, a 26-year-old American woman tragically killed during a protest in the occupied West Bank, is calling for an independent investigation into her death. They argue that an inquiry conducted by Israeli authorities would lack the necessary impartiality, especially given that multiple witnesses and Palestinian officials have accused Israeli soldiers of being responsible for her fatal shooting.
Aysenur Eygi was shot in the head during a demonstration in Beita, a village in the West Bank, on Friday. The protest was aimed at opposing the establishment of an Israeli settler outpost. In a heartfelt statement released by her family, they expressed their deep concerns regarding the adequacy of an Israeli-led investigation, stating, “Given the circumstances of Aysenur’s killing, an Israeli investigation is not adequate.”
The family further urged U.S. leaders, including President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary of State Blinken, to initiate an independent inquiry into the unlawful killing of a U.S. citizen and to guarantee that those responsible are held accountable. This statement, emphasizing the need for justice, was shared on social media by a close friend, Juliette Majid.
Ms. Eygi’s tragic death echoes the memory of Rachel Corrie, a notable activist who lost her life in 2003 when she was crushed by an Israeli armored bulldozer during a similar protest in the Gaza Strip. Both women shared a connection through their roots in Washington State and their involvement with the International Solidarity Movement, a group dedicated to peaceful resistance against the Israeli occupation.
During her recent graduation from the University of Washington, Ms. Eygi was celebrated as “a fiercely passionate human rights activist.” Her family described her as someone who “felt a deep responsibility to serve others and lived a life of caring for those in need through meaningful action.”