In a somber ceremony on Saturday morning, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist believed to have been killed by an Israeli soldier in the West Bank, was laid to rest in her hometown of Didim on the Aegean Sea. Eygi, a 26-year-old who held dual U.S. and Turkish citizenships, was mourned by thousands of people who lined the streets, adorned with Turkish flags, to bid her farewell.

Eygi's body was transported from a hospital to her family home and then to the Central Mosque in Didim. The tragic incident sparked outrage, leading to the Turkish Justice Ministry launching an investigation into Eygi's death earlier this week. During the funeral service, Numan Kurtulus, the speaker of Turkey's parliament, demanded accountability for what he referred to as a "murder." He emphasized that the family would not let their daughter's blood go unnoticed.

Eygi's father expressed his desire for a similar investigation by the U.S. government, stating that when it comes to the killing of its citizens, the U.S. typically investigates "like an eagle on its emblem." However, he criticized what he perceived as an attempt to avoid addressing the issue when Israel is involved.

Eygi, a member of the International Solidarity Movement, had been participating in protests against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the treatment of Palestinians. Eyewitnesses reported that she was shot while standing alone under an olive tree after a scheduled protest on September 6. The Israel Defense Forces stated that an initial investigation indicated that Eygi was "hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire which was not aimed at her."

The tragic death of Eygi has drawn international condemnation, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing his dismay. The U.S., along with Egypt and Qatar, have been making efforts to achieve a cease-fire and secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas. However, talks have repeatedly broken down as both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of making unacceptable demands.

While Eygi's funeral took place, violence continued to disrupt Gaza, with Israeli airstrikes targeting central and southern parts of the territory overnight. Strikes hit civilian homes and a tent camp, resulting in the loss of precious lives. The war between Israel and Hamas has inflicted widespread destruction and displacement, leaving Gaza in the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis.

As the conflict persists, the death toll continues to rise. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with women and children accounting for over half of the casualties. Israel claims to have killed more than 17,000 militants. The war's devastating impact has left Gaza's population of 2.3 million in dire circumstances, experiencing multiple displacements and immense suffering.

The funeral of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi serves as a tragic reminder of the ongoing tensions and violence in the region, prompting renewed calls for justice and an end to the conflict.