The Tragic Deaths of Bana Bakr and Aysenur Eygi: A Disturbing Pattern of Violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
On a fateful weekend in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, two young women lost their lives in separate incidents that highlight the escalating violence in the region. Bana Amjad Bakr, a 13-year-old girl, was tragically killed in her own bedroom by a stray bullet fired by Israeli forces. Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American citizen, was shot in the head by Israeli troops while participating in a peaceful protest against the expansion of Jewish settlements. These deaths have once again brought attention to the unbridled violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers and the Israeli military in the West Bank.
The Tragedy Unfolds
Bakr’s death went largely unnoticed until Eygi was killed the following day. Eygi’s death sparked international outrage and garnered global headlines. The UN secretary-general and the US government called for a full investigation into Eygi’s death, expressing deep concern over the tragic loss of an American citizen. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the Israeli government responsible for Eygi’s death and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
A Disturbing Pattern
Sadly, the deaths of Bakr and Eygi are not isolated incidents. Palestinian activists and civilians have been subjected to violence and killings by Israeli forces for years, with little international attention or accountability. The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) highlighted that Eygi was the 18th demonstrator killed in Beita since 2020, the youngest of whom was just 13 years old. The disproportionate coverage and response to the death of a foreign activist compared to the multiple killings of Palestinians reflect the growing global intolerance towards Israel’s behavior.
US Citizens Killed by Israelis
Eygi’s death adds to the list of American nationals who have lost their lives while protesting in solidarity with Palestinians. Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old activist, was crushed by an Israeli army bulldozer in 2003 during a protest against the demolition of Palestinian homes in Rafah. Despite calls for an investigation, no action was taken. However, the response from the US government this time indicates a shift in global opinion towards Israel’s actions.
The Settler Movement and Israeli Government
The settler movement, responsible for the deaths of Bakr and Eygi, poses a significant challenge to the Israeli government. The head of Israel’s security agency recently accused the extremist settler movement of terrorism, warning that their actions were damaging Israel’s global legitimacy. The International Crisis Group reported a record number of attacks on Palestinians by settlers, with 21 deaths and the destruction of thousands of trees. The settlers’ violence is fueled by a government committed to deepening control over the West Bank, jeopardizing the prospects of a Palestinian state.
A Call for Action
To address the escalating violence, the US and other Western countries should not only target individual settlers but also state entities and policies that support the settlement enterprise. The international community must hold Israel accountable for its actions and work towards a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and dignity of both Palestinians and Israelis.
In conclusion, the tragic deaths of Bana Bakr and Aysenur Eygi shed light on the alarming pattern of violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The international community must take a stand against the unbridled violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers and the Israeli military, and work towards a just and lasting solution for all parties involved.