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Washington Post report questions accidental death of West Bank protester – Defense News

The Washington Post reported on Wednesday evening that an independent investigation into the publication had found evidence that the timing of the death of American-Turkish citizen Aysenur Eygi by IDF fire near the Beita junction in the West Bank did not coincide with the most intense clashes in the region.

The report claims that Eygi was shot about 20 minutes after the crowd on the main street moved more than 200 meters away from Israeli security forces.

Aysenur Eygi, 26, was killed by Israeli fire on Friday. Dozens of Palestinians had set fire to tires and thrown stones at emergency services at the Beita junction. The incident has sparked concern in the United States and caused widespread outrage in Turkey.

The Israel Defense Forces released a statement after an investigation, indicating that it was very likely that Eygi was accidentally hit by indirect fire from the Israel Defense Forces. The fire was aimed at a major agitator who was throwing stones at the forces and posed a threat.

IDF investigation into the incident

The Israel Defense Forces also stressed that a military police investigation has been launched in response to the incident and that the Attorney General will review the results once completed. In addition, Israel has requested an autopsy.

A Palestinian demonstrator throws a stone as he clashes with Israeli forces during a protest against Israeli settlements in Beita, West Bank July 2, 2021. (Source: RANEEN SAWAFTA/ REUTERS)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented on the incident, saying: “The killing of the American activist in the West Bank was unjustified and unprovoked. No one should be injured by gunfire for participating in a protest. Israel must change its approach in the West Bank, including revising the rules of engagement of the Israeli military.”

US President Joe Biden spoke to Eygi’s family shortly after the incident.



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