The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) will hold a news conference to condemn the brutal murder of Khamis Ayyad, an American citizen from Illinois. Ayyad was killed in a settler arson attack in the occupied West Bank on July 31, which targeted Palestinian cars and homes.
The event, scheduled for Friday at 3 pm at Azima Center, will be attended by CAIR-Chicago staff, Laith Ayyad’s family members, cousins, and other relatives. The conference aims to call for a Department of Justice (DOJ) probe into the incident.
Khamis Ayyad’s killing is part of a broader pattern of injustice faced by Palestinians, who are often subjected to violence, human rights abuses, and oppressive policies under Israeli occupation. The event highlights the urgent need for accountability, human rights protections, and US pressure to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.
Reports have shown an increase in settler violence in the occupied West Bank, with some incidents backed by the Israeli military. This comes amid a backdrop of genocide and starvation campaigns in Gaza. Khamis Ayyad’s brother Laith Ayyad was also killed by an Israeli settler earlier this week.
According to UN data, at least 159 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in the West Bank between January 1 and July 21 of this year. CAIR-Chicago is calling on the White House, Congress, and Illinois elected officials to condemn Khamis Ayyad’s murder and demand an end to funding occupation and apartheid.
CAIR’s mission is to promote justice, human rights, and the dignity of all individuals affected by the ongoing conflict. The organization extends its condolences to Khamis Ayyad’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Source: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/today-cair-chicago-to-call-for-doj-probe-of-killing-of-u-s-citizen-by-israeli-forces-illegal-settlers-in-occupied-west-bank