Hundreds in West Bank mourn slain US

On Monday, hundreds gathered in Nablus, located in the occupied West Bank, to honor Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old US-Turkish activist who was killed during a protest against Israeli settlements in Beita. Eygi's body was draped in a Palestinian flag and carried by Palestinian security forces, accompanied by traditional bagpipe music. The United Nations reported that she was shot in the head by Israeli forces while participating in a peaceful demonstration. Eygi's death has drawn international condemnation, with Turkey vowing to seek justice and the United States urging an investigation by Israel. The memorial service was initially scheduled for Sunday but was postponed due to disagreements between the US and Turkey regarding burial arrangements. Mahmud al-Aloul, a senior Fatah official, emphasized the importance of honoring Eygi as a martyr in Palestine. The ongoing conflict has seen a significant rise in violence, with over 662 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops or settlers since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which has escalated tensions in the region. The Israeli army acknowledged firing in the Beita area and stated it was investigating the incident involving Eygi. The situation highlights the ongoing strife between Israeli forces and Palestinian activists, particularly in areas where protests against settlements are frequent. Eygi's death has sparked renewed calls for accountability and justice, reflecting the broader struggle against Israeli occupation. As the international community watches closely, the implications of Eygi's death may influence future protests and diplomatic relations between Turkey, the US, and Israel. The commitment from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to pursue legal action against Israel underscores the potential for escalating tensions in the region.