UN Calls for Investigation After Death of Protester in West Bank

On Friday, the United Nations urged a thorough investigation into the death of Aona ESG ADI, an American-Turkish dual citizen, fatally shot during a protest in the occupied West Bank. The incident occurred in Beta, near a controversial illegal settlement, where Israeli forces allegedly opened fire as protesters demonstrated against expansion activities. Eyewitnesses reported that ESG ADI was shot in the head while standing 200 meters away from the soldiers. A graduate of Washington University in Seattle, she had only recently arrived in the region to take part in such weekly protests. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) indicated they were reviewing the incident but stated that shots were fired at a man believed to be instigating violence by throwing rocks. However, organizers of the protest disputed this characterization, emphasizing that their demonstration was peaceful. The White House described the killing as “deeply disturbing” and requested an investigation from Israel. ESG ADI's family has called for a fully independent inquiry, asserting that any Israeli investigation would be inadequate. The increasing violence in the West Bank, particularly following the October 7th Hamas attacks, raises concerns about potential uprisings and further escalations between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. Diplomatic pressure is mounting on Israeli authorities to restrict settler activities that are causing continued unrest in the region.