U.S. Citizen Dies in West Bank Incident

A U.S. citizen lost his life in the West Bank on Thursday, as confirmed by the U.S. State Department.

Khamis Abdul Latif Ayyad, aged 41, succumbed to smoke inhalation due to a fire reportedly set by Israeli settlers targeting vehicles and homes in the village late at night. This information was reported by Miami Herald and Palestinian News Publications.

“We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen in the town of Silwad on the West Bank. We express our condolences to the family for their loss and are providing consular assistance. We condemn the violence from all sides in the West Bank,” a spokesperson from the State Department said.

Ayad’s relatives stated that the fire was started by Israeli settlers who invaded Silwad, an area located near several Israeli settlements in the central West Bank, setting fire to both vehicles and homes.

The funeral for Ayad is set for Friday, and the family is awaiting an autopsy to officially determine the cause of death.

Ayad is the second U.S. citizen to die in the West Bank. Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old Palestinian-American, was killed on July 11 following a confrontation with Israeli settlers. His death occurred after a series of violent events that began when stones were thrown at Israelis, resulting in some minor injuries. The situation escalated, involving the Israeli Defense Forces. Musallet suffered injuries during this conflict but did not receive medical attention for two hours as settlers prevented emergency responders from getting through.

Ayad grew up in Silwad, a small village by the Jordan River, but moved to the U.S. with his wife in 2008. His family returned to the West Bank at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

His brother painted a picture of Ayad as a dedicated family man, well-liked in his community. “He was loved by everyone. He caused no problems at all,” the brother shared.

Ayad leaves behind a wife and five children, ranging in age from 6 to 15.