A Palestinian-American man, Khamis Ayyad, died last week from smoke inhalation in Silwad, a village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, after settlers set fires to his homes and vehicles. U.S. officials confirmed the death and condemned “criminal violence” by settlers.
Ayyad, in his 40s, was laid to rest on Friday. His death follows another settler attack three weeks ago that killed a 20-year-old Palestinian man from Tampa while protecting his family’s land.
The Israeli military has launched an investigation into the incident. Witnesses reported seeing live rounds and tear gas fired by forces toward residents after settlers attacked villages around Silwad, setting vehicles and homes ablaze.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has asked for Israel to aggressively investigate the killing of a Palestinian man last month. The attacks come amid rising tensions in the occupied West Bank, with both settler violence against Palestinians and Israeli military operations.
Hamas-led terrorists killed over 1,200 people during an October attack on Israel from Gaza, which triggered the ongoing conflict. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Desperation has gripped the Palestinian territory due to Israel’s blockade and nearly two-year military operation.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/palestinian-american-dies-smoke-inhalation-west-bank-confrontation-settlers-us-officials