US Activist Killed During West Bank Protest Against Settlements

Eygi, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Turkey and a recent University of Washington graduate, was participating in a campaign to shield Palestinian farmers from settler violence. According to local resident Hisham Dweikat, the military began by deploying tear gas and stun grenades before opening fire with live ammunition as protesters retreated. Dweikat stated that a soldier fired directly into the crowd, striking Eygi from behind.

This incident occurs amid a surge in Israeli military operations across the West Bank, which have intensified despite the government’s stated focus on Hamas in Gaza. Just days prior, Israeli forces concluded a 10-day operation in Jenin that resulted in at least 36 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. The United Nations has recently cautioned that these actions involve lethal, war-like tactics.

The Biden administration confirmed it is aware of the death, with State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stating officials are urgently gathering information. Representative Rashida Tlaib has publicly challenged the administration's response, demanding clarity on the circumstances of the killing. Israel continues to reject international rulings characterizing its settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as violations of international law.