The family of Khamis Ayyad, an American from Chicago who was killed in a settler attack in the West Bank, is urging the US government to investigate his death. Ayyad, a 40-year-old father of five, succumbed to the incident in Silwad, near Ramallah. This tragic event follows the death of another US citizen, 20-year-old Sayfollah Musallet, who was beaten to death by settlers in a nearby town earlier in July. William Asfour, representing the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, labeled Ayyad’s killing as “murder” and demanded a thorough investigation from the US Department of Justice.
Relatives report that settlers set cars on fire outside Ayyad’s home. As he attempted to extinguish the flames, Israeli military forces arrived, dispersing tear gas, which they believe ultimately led to his death due to inhalation of toxic fumes and smoke. Such attacks, described by US officials as “terrorism,” have intensified against Palestinian communities since the start of the Israeli-Gaza conflict in October 2023. Israeli settlers continue to assault these communities with military backing, often leading to destruction and violence.
Israeli militarization has increased in the West Bank, exacerbated by legislative motions toward annexation, while Gaza faces ongoing assaults deemed genocidal by rights groups. Asfour highlighted that these are not isolated events, querying the lack of protective action from the US for its citizens. Despite advocacy, the US Department of State has been quiet, and past incidents remain unresolved. In July, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee urged Israel to investigate Musallet’s case, yet no arrests have followed.
A pattern of violence against US nationals persists, with at least 10 fatalities since 2022 without legal repercussions. Currently, young American detainee Mohammed Ibrahim remains in Israeli detention without trial, amid reports of deteriorating health. Illinois State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid condemned Ayyad’s death as part of ongoing colonial violence and criticized a state law penalizing boycotts against Israel, calling for legislative change to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
