RAMALLAH, West Bank − A dual citizen of the U.S. and Turkey, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, was killed after suffering a gunshot wound to the head while participating in a protest against settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as reported by the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Officials from both the U.S. State Department and Turkey’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Eygi’s death. Turkey’s officials labeled the incident as a “murder committed by the Netanyahu administration.”

The Israeli military stated that it is investigating reports of the foreign national’s death due to gunfire in the area, emphasizing that the incident and its context are currently under examination.

Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, expressed: “We are aware of the tragic loss of an American citizen, Aysenur Eygi, in the West Bank. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and loved ones.”

“We are in the process of gathering additional details about the circumstances surrounding her death and will provide further updates when available,” he continued. “The safety and security of American citizens is our foremost priority.”

Fouad Nafaa, head of Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, informed Reuters that Eygi arrived in critical condition, suffering from a severe head injury.

“We attempted to revive her, but sadly she passed away,” he stated.

WAFA reported that the incident occurred during a routine protest march held by activists in Beita, a town near Nablus that has faced multiple assaults from nationalist Jewish settlers.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry remarked, “Israel is trying to intimidate those who support the Palestinian people and engage in peaceful resistance against aggression. This violent strategy will fail.”

Increasing violent incidents by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank have sparked rising tensions among Western nations allied with Israel, including the U.S., which has enacted sanctions on several individuals involved.

Just weeks ago, approximately 100 settlers attacked the village of Jit in the northern West Bank, leading to widespread international condemnation and a pledge from the Israeli government for prompt action against any perpetrator of such violence.

Palestinians and various human rights organizations frequently allege that Israeli forces often remain passive during these attacks, or even participate in them.