Tragic Death of Turkish American Activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi Sparks Outrage

Tragic Death of Turkish American Activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

The body of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish American activist, is set to arrive in Turkey on Friday for a funeral and burial in her father’s hometown along the picturesque Aegean coast. Eygi was fatally shot in the head by Israeli forces during a protest near an Israeli settler outpost in the occupied West Bank last week.

The Israeli military has stated that it is “highly likely” that the shooting was unintentional, claiming their forces were targeting a “key instigator” amid what they described as a “violent riot.” However, eyewitness accounts have challenged this narrative, asserting that the confrontations had ceased before Eygi was struck.

This tragic incident has ignited outrage in both the United States and Turkey, where Eygi was born. President Biden expressed his profound sorrow over her death, emphasizing the need for “full accountability” from Israel.

In response, Turkey’s Justice Minister, Yilmaz Tunc, announced on Thursday that the Turkish government would initiate its own investigation into the circumstances surrounding Eygi’s death. Tunc also indicated plans to urge the United Nations to establish an independent inquiry and explore avenues to incorporate the findings into an ongoing case at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of genocide against the Palestinian people. Israel has firmly denied these genocide allegations.

Eygi had moved to the United States with her family when she was just 8 months old but maintained strong ties to her Turkish roots, returning to visit frequently. Turkish officials have confirmed that she will be laid to rest in Didim, a beloved resort town on the Aegean coast, where her father hails from. While the exact timing of the funeral service is yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated to take place either on Friday or Saturday. Her family has adorned her grandfather’s home with a Turkish flag and has been receiving condolences from friends and relatives, as shown on Turkish television.

According to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, Eygi’s body is being transported from Tel Aviv to Baku, Azerbaijan, before continuing to Istanbul, where it is expected to arrive early Friday morning. This routing is necessary due to the absence of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Istanbul.

Earlier this week, a poignant memorial service was held in the West Bank, where Eygi’s body was draped in a Palestinian flag. Mourners gathered in large numbers, passionately chanting demands for justice in response to her untimely death.