An initial Israel Defense Forces probe found that a dual U.S.-Turkish citizen killed on Friday was likely accidentally struck by troops’ gunfire during a riot near Nablus (Shechem) in Samaria.
The investigation determined “with high probability” that the woman, 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, was killed by “indirect and unintended IDF fire, which was aimed at a main instigator,” according to the military.
“The incident occurred during a violent gathering of dozens of Palestinian suspects, who burned tires and threw stones at forces at the Beita Junction,” added the IDF.
Eygi was an activist with the anti-Israel International Solidarity Movement.
“We deplore this tragic loss,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday, while offering his “deepest condolences” to Eygi’s family.
“First things first—let’s find out exactly what happened, and we will draw the necessary conclusions and consequences from that. When we have more info, we will share it, make it available and, as necessary, we’ll act on it,” he said.
Ankara described the incident as a “murder committed by the Netanyahu government,” with a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement adding: “Israel is trying to intimidate all those who come to the aid of the Palestinian people and who fight peacefully against the genocide. This policy of violence will not work.”
A Military Police probe has been launched into the incident, and Israeli officials have submitted a request to carry out an autopsy, the IDF said.
“The IDF expresses its deepest regret over the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi,”it added.
