Russian official: Israel's killing of American-Turkish activist in West Bank was 'tragic incident'

The murder of American-Turkish activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in the West Bank last week was a “tragic incident,” a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

“This is a tragic event and it confirms what we have always said, especially since the escalation in Gaza – the urgent need for de-escalation and a sustainable solution,” Maria Zakharova said in response to a question from an Anadolu correspondent.

Zakharova stressed that the continuation of the conflict will inevitably lead to further violence not only in the occupied Palestinian territories but throughout the Middle East.

“It is crucial to cease hostilities as soon as possible and to ensure the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza residents suffering the consequences of the ongoing conflict and blockade,” she stressed.

She added that this was the only way to prevent further escalation and create the necessary conditions for a comprehensive political solution based on universally accepted international legal principles.

Eygi, 26, a dual Turkish-American citizen, was killed by Israeli forces on Friday during a protest against illegal Israeli settlements in the village of Beita near Nablus.

The Israeli army said on Tuesday that it was “highly likely” that Eygi had come under fire from its forces “indirectly and unintentionally”.

Eygi's family expressed outrage at the suggestion that her death at the hands of an Israeli sniper was accidental and reiterated their call for an independent investigation into the killing.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive against the Gaza Strip since the Hamas attack on October 7, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Since then, more than 41,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed and nearly 95,000 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The ongoing blockade of the enclave has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine and left large parts of the region in ruins.

Israel is accused of genocide before the International Court of Justice for its actions in the Gaza Strip.