Key Takeaways:
– Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist potentially killed by Israeli gunfire, was interred in her hometown, Didim, in Turkey.
– Thousands flocked to the streets of Didim to bid Eygi goodbye.
– The Turkish Justice Ministry launched an investigation into her death.
– Eygi’s family demanded an independent inquiry into her death by the United States.
– Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned her death as peace talks falter.
– Eygi died during protests against Israeli occupation in the West Bank.
Protest and Mourning
Thousands of mourners gathered in the Aegean town of Didim, in Turkey, as the funeral of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist, took place on Saturday morning. Eygi, who hailed from Seattle, held both US and Turkish citizenships. Israel confessed she could’ve been killed by one of its soldiers during a protest in the West Bank. In a stunning show of solidarity, the streets of Didim filled with people draped in Turkish flags.
In an emotional address, Numan Kurtulus, the speaker of Turkey’s parliament, vowed to seek justice for Eygi. He insisted on holding those behind this tragedy accountable. “We are not going to leave our daughter’s blood on the ground,” he emphatically told the gathered crowd.
Questioning Silence
The family has sought an investigation from the United States into Eygi’s death. Eygi’s father questioned the apparent lack of fervor from the US towards such an investigation. He stated that the US, which investigates the killing of its citizens like an “eagle on its emblem,” has thus far not shown equivalent attention to this case.
Eygi was part of the International Solidarity Movement, an organization known for orchestrating protests against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. She was at a scheduled demonstration in the West Bank on September 6 when she was reportedly shot and killed. Eygi was seen standing alone under an olive tree after the rally.
Investigations and Apologies
Israel Defense Forces released a statement, suggesting it was plausible that Eygi was unintentionally hit by their fire. They explained that the gunfire was not aimed at her, but rather, targeted the key instigator of the protest.
Eygi’s death raises tension between the US, Israel, and Turkey. On the diplomatic stage, there’s escalating pressure for a comprehensive investigation into Eygi’s death. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced strong criticism of the incident amid stumbling peace talks with Egypt and Qatar.
Escalating Violence
Meanwhile, violence intensified in Gaza with Israeli airstrikes bombarding central and southern parts of the territory. The war has caused significant destruction and displacement among Gaza’s population. Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since the battle began, with a majority being women and children. Despite the condemning death toll, repeated endeavors for ceasefire have not met success.
With the mourners in Didim showing their respect for Eygi, the international community should heed their call for justice. Amidst escalating violence, the loss of Eygi and thousands more underline the urgent need for peace.