By Elif Selin Calik | –
( Middle East Monitor ) – The world of activism was shaken by the tragic news of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s death at the hands of Israeli forces in the West Bank. Her demise has sparked a renewed conversation about the Occupation of Palestine, the struggles of the Palestinian people, and the role of international activists who stand with them. Eygi, a committed Turkish-American activist, was more than just a participant in protests; she embodied the global solidarity that has long fuelled the resistance against oppression in the region. Her life, words, and ultimate sacrifice bring to light the harrowing reality of the conflict and the urgent need for international intervention.
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi: A voice for the voiceless
Born in Turkiye, Eygi was deeply rooted in her faith, and her activism was a reflection of her commitment to the principles of justice, equality and submission to Allah. In her writings, she emphasized the importance of the ummah, the global Muslim community, as a collective entity that transcends national borders and personal struggles. “The ummah is important, I need to support my journey in full submission to Allah,” she once wrote, revealing the spiritual foundation of her activism. Her unwavering belief in the power of the Muslim community to effect change, coupled with her determination to stand against oppression, made her a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian movement in Turkiye.
Her commitment took her to the frontlines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where she witnessed the daily horrors faced by Palestinians under Occupation. It was in the West Bank where she met her tragic end, killed by Israeli forces while peacefully advocating for human rights. Her death has now become a rallying cry for activists around the world, highlighting the grave dangers faced by those who dare to challenge the Israeli Occupation.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: A brief historical overview
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the longest and most contentious in modern history. Its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century when the region, then part of the Ottoman Empire, became the focal point of competing nationalist movements. The establishment of Israel in 1948 led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe”. Since then, the conflict has been marked by wars, Intifadas and ongoing military Occupation.
The West Bank, where Eygi was killed, has been under Israeli military Occupation since the Six-Day War in 1967. Despite numerous international resolutions calling for Israel to withdraw and end its Occupation, the situation has only worsened over the years. The construction of illegal Israeli settlements, the fragmentation of Palestinian Territories, and the severe restrictions on movement have turned life in the West Bank into a daily struggle for survival.
Human Rights violations in the Occupied Territories
The human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt) are well-documented. According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 5,300 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces in the West Bank that year alone. The UN Human Rights Council has repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions, particularly the excessive use of force against civilians and the systematic expansion of illegal settlements. The situation has been described by many as a form of apartheid, with Israel implementing a system of segregation that denies Palestinians basic rights and freedoms.
The killing of activists like Aysenur Ezgi Eygi further exposes the dangers faced by those who seek to shed light on these injustices. Human rights defenders, both Palestinian and international, are often targeted by Israeli forces. The UN has reported numerous cases of activists being detained, harassed and even killed while documenting human rights abuses in the region. The targeting of activists is a clear violation of international law, yet accountability remains elusive.
UN facts and numbers on the conflict
The United Nations has consistently called for an end to the Israeli Occupation and the establishment of a two-state solution, but progress has been slow. According to UN data:
- As of 2022, there are approximately 475,000 Israeli settlers living in over 250 illegal settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
- More than 5.7 million Palestinian refugees are registered with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), most of whom are descendants of those displaced in 1948.
- In 2023 alone, over 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, including women and children.
Despite international calls for restraint, the cycle of violence continues, with civilians on both sides paying the highest price. The UN’s repeated condemnations of Israeli actions, including the expansion of settlements and the use of excessive force, have largely been ignored, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The global response and Eygi’s enduring legacy
The death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi is a stark reminder of the cost of standing up for justice in the face of overwhelming force. Her life’s work, however, has not been in vain. In Turkiye and beyond, her legacy as a passionate advocate for the Palestinian cause continues to inspire new generations of activists. She is remembered not only for her bravery but also for her deep sense of responsibility toward the ummah and her unwavering commitment to the principles of Islam.
Internationally, Eygi’s death has sparked renewed calls for accountability. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned her killing and urged the global community to take stronger action to protect activists in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. There is also growing pressure on the United Nations to take more decisive action, with some calling for sanctions against Israel for its continued violations of international law.
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s tragic death in the West Bank has left a void in the global activist community, but her legacy lives on. Her words, “Ummah is important, I need to support my journey in full submission to Allah”, resonate with the countless individuals who continue to stand against oppression and injustice. Her life serves as a reminder that the fight for Palestinian liberation is not just a local struggle but a global one, requiring the solidarity and support of people from all walks of life.
In her memory, the world must redouble its efforts to bring peace and justice to Palestine, ensuring that the sacrifices of activists like Eygi are not in vain. The international community must act swiftly and decisively to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to protect those who risk their lives in the pursuit of justice.
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