Second American Citizen Allegedly Killed by Israeli Settlers in West Bank
A U.S. citizen has died following an alleged attack by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, marking the second American fatality linked to settler violence in less than a month.
Khamis Abdul Latif Ayyad, 41, reportedly died from smoke inhalation after fires were set to vehicles and homes in the village of Silwad, located northeast of Ramallah, late Thursday night. According to reports from the Miami Herald and Palestinian news sources, the fires were allegedly started by Israeli settlers who entered the village under cover of darkness.
The Palestinian Khamis Ayad (45) died of asphyxiation of tear gas fire by the Israeli occupation forces inside his house during the attack of settlers on the village of Silwad east of Ramallah, pre dawn today. pic.twitter.com/HlCJpfpt7Z
— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) July 31, 2025
“We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen in the town of Silwad in the West Bank,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson said. “We offer condolences to the family on their loss and are providing consular assistance to them. We condemn criminal violence by any party in the West Bank.”
Ayyad’s family said the fire broke out after settlers torched several cars and homes in the neighborhood. A funeral was held Friday in Silwad. An autopsy has been scheduled to confirm his cause of death.
The attack comes amid growing unrest in the region, where violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians has intensified throughout 2024. Ayyad is now the second American citizen confirmed dead as a result of that violence this month.
On July 11, 20-year-old Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet died after reportedly being beaten by settlers during clashes near the northern West Bank village of Burqa. That incident followed the hurling of rocks at Israeli civilians, which escalated into physical altercations, arson, and blockades, according to the Israeli Defense Forces. Musallet’s injuries allegedly went untreated for two hours because emergency medical crews were denied access by settlers, a friend of the victim told The Washington Post.
Ayyad had lived in the United States with his wife since 2008, but returned to the West Bank with his family during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is remembered by relatives as a devoted husband and father.
“He was loved by everyone,” his brother told reporters. “He caused no problems at all.”
Ayyad leaves behind his wife and five children, ages 6 to 15.
Photo credit: Flickr
