Funeral Held for Turkish American Activist Killed in West Bank

Aisha Noor, a 26-year-old Turkish American activist, was killed by IDF fire during a protest against Israeli settlements near the Palestinian village of Bata in the West Bank. Family and friends held her funeral today, marking a tragic moment that has fueled demands for an independent investigation into her death. Israel has labeled the incident a 'tragic accident,' but U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Patty Murray and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, emphasize the need for accountability, warning of escalating impunity that could endanger more lives. Noor's family has voiced distrust in an Israeli-led investigation, advocating instead for a U.S.-led, independent inquiry. Juliette Magid, a close friend of Noor, expressed her grief and reiterated the family's demand for justice and transparency from U.S. authorities, underscoring that no one should lose their life for peacefully protesting. The conversation extends beyond Noor’s situation, reflecting broader tensions in the region, as nearly 700 individuals have reportedly been killed in the West Bank. Current U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured that no citizen should face violence for exercising free speech, yet questions remain about the sincerity of investigations into these deaths. Noor’s tragic loss resonates as a striking reminder of the urgent need for justice and human rights protections today.