US demands Israel conduct full investigation into Palestinian-American teen’s killing
The United States is urging a comprehensive inquiry into the killing of a Palestinian-American teenager who lost his life on Friday in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, 17, was fatally shot in the head, according to his family, who believe he was targeted by an off-duty Israeli soldier and an Israeli settler while driving his car.
Israeli police reported that a civilian and an off-duty policeman fired at an individual suspected of throwing rocks.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the presence of one of its members in the vicinity and stated that an investigation is underway to verify the claim that the soldier discharged shots at the Palestinian teenager.
Amid escalating tensions between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the West Bank, coupled with the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas in Gaza, Jabbar’s death is seen as a significant incident.
The White House, facing criticism domestically for its handling of the Gaza war and experiencing strained relations with the Israeli government, is calling for a thorough investigation.
National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby termed Jabber’s killing a “tragic incident” and emphasized the expectation that those responsible will be held accountable.
He urged Israel to conduct a transparent, thorough, and comprehensive inquiry into the teenager’s death.
Since the beginning of the war on October 7, UN data indicates that at least 319 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, with some allegedly falling victim to Israeli forces and settlers while unarmed.
President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are divided over the future of post-war Gaza. Mr Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected US calls for a two-state solution to the conflict, where a Palestinian state would be created next to an Israeli one.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Jabbar had traveled to the village of Al-Mara’a Al-Sharqiya, about 10 miles northwest of Ramallah, with his family in May to learn about his Palestinian roots, his family said.
His father, Hafeth Abdel Jabbar, told NBC News that his son had hoped to study engineering in college and was considering pursuing a degree in the West Bank.
Jabbar’s family said he was killed after going out for a picnic with friends. Witnesses told them that the teenager was first shot by a person who appeared to be a settler, followed by someone wearing an IDF uniform.
In his interview with NBC, Mr. Abdel Jabbar said he doubts the US government will take action to respond to the killing of his, who, he said, was “very loved”.
He dismissed the accusation by Israeli authorities that his son was hurling rocks. But he added that even if rocks were thrown, his son should not have been killed.
“You’re gonna shoot the car 10 times because a guy threw a rock?” he asked.
