Türkiye's main opposition leader criticizes US reaction to Israel's killing of Turkish American activist

By Islam Dogru

Türkiye's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel criticized the US on Thursday for failing to stand up for Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, Turkish American activist killed by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank.

Speaking to journalists at the Turkish House in New York, where Türkiye's Consulate General and Permanent Mission to the UN are located, Ozel said: "The US derives its strength from protecting its citizens wherever they are in the world. However, the US could not stand up for its citizen Aysenur because Israel is its soft underbelly."

Eygi, 26, a dual Turkish US national, was killed by Israeli forces on Sept. 6 during a peaceful protest against illegal Israeli settlements near Nablus in the occupied West Bank.

The CHP leader, in New York for the Socialist International Presidium meeting, said he largely focused on the Palestinian issue during his three-day program.

Ozel said he also met Ersin Tatar, president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, who is in New York for the UN week, reaffirming his party’s commitment to the Cyprus issue.

He praised the Turkish House building as "a source of pride for all,” expressing the party's desire to hold programs at the facility.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor