In a dramatic turn of events, a new video and numerous eyewitness testimonies have called into question the Israeli Defence Forces’ (IDF) account of the death of Ayşenur Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist, who was fatally shot during a protest in the West Bank village of Beita. Eygi, who was volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement, had travelled to the area to offer a “protective presence” for Palestinians amid increasing violence.
New Evidence Contradicts IDF’s Account of Activist’s Death
Eygi’s tragic death on Friday has sparked controversy and debate, with new evidence challenging the IDF’s claim that the shooting was an “accidental” result of targeting a “key instigator” in a violent riot. According to a detailed investigation by The Washington Post, Eygi was shot more than 30 minutes after the most intense confrontations had subsided, and around 20 minutes after the protesters had retreated to a location significantly distant from the Israeli forces.
Key Findings from the Investigation:
- Timeline Discrepancies: Eygi was shot well after the main clashes had ended, with Israeli forces firing at demonstrators from a distance where they posed no immediate threat.
- Witness Accounts: Eyewitnesses and video evidence indicate that Eygi was struck by gunfire while she and other protesters had moved away from the site of the earlier confrontations.
- Unanswered Questions: The IDF has not clarified why live fire was used against demonstrators who had already retreated, nor has it provided details on the identity of the alleged “instigator” of the riot.
Eyewitness Testimonies and Video Evidence
To piece together the sequence of events, The Post interviewed 13 witnesses and reviewed over 50 videos and photos from the scene, provided by the International Solidarity Movement and the Palestinian advocacy group Faz3a.
Eyewitness Accounts:
- Protest Dynamics: Eygi and her fellow activists arrived in Beita on Friday morning, intending to observe and document the protest. The protest escalated quickly after Friday prayers, with confrontations between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters.
- Sequence of Events: Despite initial calm, tensions soared later in the day. Eygi and other activists were positioned at a safe distance when they were targeted by live fire, resulting in Eygi’s fatal injury.
Video Analysis:
- Timing of Shots: The videos reveal that the gunfire occurred long after the initial clashes had ended, with demonstrators already retreating.
- Audio Forensics: Experts confirmed that the sounds recorded were consistent with gunshots, supporting eyewitness claims that live ammunition was used.
Political Reactions and International Response
The incident has drawn significant international attention and criticism. President Joe Biden condemned Eygi’s death as “totally unacceptable,” and Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for reforms in Israeli security practices in the West Bank.
Statements from U.S. Officials:
- Biden’s Remarks: Described Eygi’s death as a tragic error and emphasised the need for a thorough investigation.
- Blinken’s Call: Urged for changes in the IDF’s rules of engagement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Historical Context and Ongoing Violence
Eygi’s death is part of a broader pattern of violence in the West Bank. Since October 7, 2023, there has been a significant surge in violence, with at least 634 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces. The majority of these deaths have occurred during military raids on Palestinian refugee camps, confrontations with settlers, and clashes with soldiers.
Recent Incidents:
- Daniel Santiago: Another American, Daniel Santiago, was injured in Beita last month. The IDF claimed it was an accident during an attempt to disperse protesters.
- Escalating Violence: The West Bank has seen frequent clashes, with the use of live ammunition becoming increasingly common in response to protests.
The Impact of Eygi’s Death
Eygi’s death has become a focal point in discussions about U.S.-Israel relations and the Israeli military’s conduct in the West Bank. Activists and her family are calling for a thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Family’s Call for Action:
- Request for Transparency: Eygi’s family is demanding direct communication from President Biden and Vice President Harris and an independent investigation to ensure accountability.
- Impact on U.S.-Israel Relations: The case has highlighted ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Israel, particularly concerning the handling of protests and military actions in Palestinian territories.
Conclusion
The death of Ayşenur Eygi in Beita has raised significant questions about the conduct of Israeli forces and the rules of engagement during protests in the West Bank. With new evidence challenging the IDF’s account and calls for international scrutiny, Eygi’s death may serve as a critical case study in the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
