US condemns killing of Palestinian youth by Israel settler in West Bank

The US Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem yesterday condemned the killing of a Palestinian by an Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank, calling for a “thorough and transparent investigation” into the incident.

“We strongly condemn the shooting of Methkal Rayyan by an Israeli settler from the illegal Havat Yair outpost in Salfit” in the northern West Bank, the US Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem said in a statement on its official Twitter account.

“We have seen reports that the Israeli Police are investigating the incident, and note that Israel has responsibility for security in the areas it controls.”

1/2 We strongly condemn the shooting of Methkal Rayyan by an Israeli settler from the illegal Havat Yair outpost in Salfit. We have seen reports that the Israeli Police are investigating the incident, and note that Israel has responsibility for security in the areas it controls.

— U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs (@USPalAffairs) February 13, 2023

“We urge a thorough and transparent investigation of the shooting that leads to accountability and prevents future settler violence,” it added.

It also reiterated remarks made by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken last month that “all sides must take steps to prevent further escalation in violence and restore calm.”

2/2 We urge a thorough and transparent investigation of the shooting that leads to accountability and prevents future settler violence. As @SecBlinken said last month, all sides must take steps to prevent further escalation in violence and restore calm.

— U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs (@USPalAffairs) February 13, 2023

The UK also condemned the attack and called for an investigation, adding that “violence and impunity drives more instability.”

Deeply concerned about violence this weekend, including the killing of 14 y/o Qusai Radwan Waked in Jenin & Mithqal Rayan, reportedly killed by an Israeli settler. Incidents must be investigated and those responsible held to account. Violence & impunity drives more instability.

— UKinJerusalem🇬🇧 (@UKinJerusalem) February 13, 2023

On Saturday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that Mithqal Rayan, 27, was killed by a settler in the village of Qarawat Bani Hassan in the Salfit district.

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