US expects full accountability for death of elderly Palestinian-American in West Bank

The US said, Tuesday, that it expects a thorough criminal investigation and full accountability in the case of an elderly Palestinian-American who was found dead after being detained by Israeli forces during a raid in the occupied West Bank, Anadolu News Agency reports.

In a statement, State Department spokesman, Ned Price, said the US continues to be “deeply concerned by the circumstances” of the death of 80-year-old Omar Abdulmajeed Asad.

“We continue to discuss this troubling incident with the Israeli government,” said Price.

Asad was found dead on 12 January.

Fuad Fattoum, the head of the municipal council in the village of Jaljulia, told Anadolu Agency last month that Asad, who is from the village, died after being held and assaulted by the Israeli army.

He said soldiers stormed the village and detained Asaad after beating and handcuffing him. The soldiers then withdrew, leaving the elderly man lying on the ground inside a house under construction, where he died.

“We convey, again, our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Mr Asad. The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens abroad,” Price added.

OPINION: Palestinians don’t need Israel investigated, they need justice