Family Statement in Response to the Israeli Military’s Preliminary Inquiry into Aysenur’s Death

The Israeli military’s preliminary inquiry into Aysenur’s killing is wholly inadequate; we are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional. The disregard shown for human life in the inquiry is appalling.

Aysenur, an activist and volunteer, was peacefully standing for justice as an international observer and witness to Palestinian suffering; she was taking shelter in an olive grove when she was shot in the head and killed by a bullet from an Israeli soldier. This cannot be misconstrued as anything except a deliberate, targeted and precise attack by the military against an unarmed civilian.

As we mourn the death of our beloved Aysenur, we reiterate our demand for the U.S. government leaders - President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary of State Blinken - to order an independent investigation into the Israeli military’s deliberate targeting and killing of a U.S. citizen. Israeli officials must be transparent and release the evidence they compiled, to be reviewed by the family and independent authorities.

In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, we have also received unimaginable kindness. We thank those who have reached out to continue Aysenur’s work and carry on her legacy. While we navigate these twists and turns, and come to grips with our grief, we ask for continued privacy.