In a bid to seek justice for the tragic deaths of two Palestinian-American teenagers in separate incidents in the West Bank, investigators from the American Embassy have recently visited their families' homes to look into the shootings. The investigations into the killings of Mohammad Khdour and Tawfic Abdel Jabbar by American officials reflect a lack of confidence in the Israeli justice system to properly investigate these cases.
According to human rights groups, Israeli investigations into killings of Palestinians rarely result in prosecutions, which has raised concerns about the impartiality of the Israeli justice system. The State Department has previously called for an 'expeditious and thorough' Israeli investigation into Abdel Jabbar's killing, underscoring the need for a transparent and accountable inquiry.
The shootings of both teenagers have occurred at a time when the Biden administration has expressed its desire to crack down on settler violence in the volatile territory. These incidents shed light on the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region, demanding attention from international bodies and prompting action from the United States.
Mohammad Khdour, who was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida, was shot last Saturday while driving with his cousin on a hillside in Biddu, a town just outside of Jerusalem where he had resided since he was two years old. Joined by his cousin for a drive to a forested hillside popular for barbecues, Khdour had hoped to relax after studying. Videos and photos taken prior to the shooting, capturing moments of joy and fun, depicted the boys engaged in normal teenage activities.
As the boys were heading back to the village, they suddenly heard gunfire. A shot came through the car window, fatally striking Mohammad in the head. Khdour's cousin managed to escape and make his way back to the village, recounting that the shots had come from a white Mitsubishi with an Israeli license plate, which had been spotted in the area previously.
The aftermath of the incident was captured in a video that displayed a group of men removing Mohammad's lifeless body from the car, revealing the shattered glass and blood-stained interior. Ahmad Khdour, Mohammad's father, expressed his lack of knowledge regarding any Israeli investigation into the case, as Israeli officials have remained silent on the matter. However, the visit from U.S. Embassy officials has provided a sliver of hope for the grieving family, as they were assured that a report on the incident is being prepared.
The killing of Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, another Palestinian-American teenager, adds to the distressing pattern of violence. Tawfic, who hailed from Gretna, Louisiana, was also shot while driving along a dirt road close to his village in the northern West Bank nearly a month ago. The sole passenger in the vehicle claimed that the shooting was unprovoked, and a video shared by Abdel Jabbar's father raised questions about the original police theory, which failed to mention that the teenager had been shot while driving.
The failure of the Israeli police to release any significant findings in the case has further raised concerns about the credibility of their investigation. While the U.S. Embassy investigators collected medical and legal reports related to Abdel Jabbar's death, there has been a lack of transparency from Israeli authorities.
These incidents emphasize the urgency of addressing the violence and unrest in the occupied territory. Since the surprise attack by Hamas militants on October 7 from Gaza into southern Israel, tensions have escalated, and Israel has tightened its grip on the West Bank. The Biden administration, while showing support for Israel's war against Hamas, has condemned the rising violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. The administration has even implemented sanctions targeting four settlers as a measure to deter such violence.
The deaths of Mohammad Khdour and Tawfic Abdel Jabbar serve as painful reminders of the ongoing conflicts in the region and the urgent need for accountability and justice. The American investigations into these killings reflect the concern for the victims and their families, as well as a desire to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry into these tragic incidents. As violence continues to plague the occupied territory, the international community must remain engaged and committed to promoting peace and stability in the region.
