Ambassador Tamer Almassri
By George Swarei
Nablus, West Bank — A 26-year-old American-Turkish activist, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, was shot and killed by Israeli forces during a peaceful protest in the village of Beita, near Nablus, against illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, according to Palestinian officials. The incident has sparked renewed accusations against Israel of targeting civilians, activists, and journalists in the occupied territories.
The Palestinian government has condemned the killing as a deliberate assassination, describing it as part of a systematic effort to silence opposition to Israeli policies. In a statement, Ambassador Tamer Almassri accused Israeli forces of executing a “shoot-to-kill” policy under the direction of high-level military and political leaders, claiming it aims to suppress the voices of truth and shield Israel’s actions from global scrutiny.
This event comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Israel accused of committing war crimes and engaging in what Palestinian officials describe as “supremacist Jewish settler-colonialism.” Ambassador Almassri has called on the International Criminal Court and human rights organizations to intervene and hold Israeli leaders accountable for their actions.
Israel has not commented on Eygi’s death, but similar incidents have drawn international concern in the past, including the deaths of American activist Rachel Corrie and Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Critics argue that the U.S. government has failed to take decisive action to protect its citizens in the occupied territories, leading to accusations of double standards.
The situation in the West Bank is part of a broader escalation in violence across the region. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of 33 civilians and injuries to 145 others within the last 24 hours, according to Palestinian sources. The total death toll in Gaza has reached 40,972 since the start of hostilities in October 2023, with many victims still missing due to ongoing attacks and debris obstructing rescue efforts.
Ambassador Almassri reiterated calls for an end to what he termed “Israeli apartheid occupation” and for the recognition of the Palestinian right to self-determination, with Jerusalem as its capital. He emphasized that peace and security in the region can only be achieved through an end to occupation and adherence to international legal standards.
The international community’s response to these developments remains closely watched as both sides continue to clash over contested territory.