Amer Mohamad Saada Rabee Obituary, Death; – A family and community are seeking clarity following the shooting death of a Palestinian-American teenager from New Jersey in the West Bank. Amer Rabee, aged 14, along with two other teenagers, was shot by Israeli forces under the allegation of throwing rocks.
This incident follows a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday, which claimed they had identified “three terrorists who threw rocks towards the highway, thereby endangering civilians driving” in the Turmus Ayya region of the West Bank.
The Palestinian-American Community Center has confirmed the death of Rabee, who is the nephew of one of its board members. Reports indicate that he was shot a total of 11 times.
A spokesperson for the State Department verified to ABC News that a U.S. citizen had died in the West Bank. The statement acknowledged the IDF’s initial assertion that the incident occurred during a counter-terrorism operation and noted that Israel is conducting an investigation.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement demanding answers from Israel regarding the circumstances of Rabee’s death:
“Amer was a U.S. citizen and a native of New Jersey who grew up in Saddle Brook. Given the unclear circumstances surrounding his death, I am requesting explanations from the Israeli government regarding why Amer, at just 14 years old, was killed. This tragic loss highlights the ongoing conflict’s devastating impact on too many lives. Tammy and I are keeping Amer’s parents, Mohammed and Majed, and his four siblings in our thoughts as they endure this unimaginable loss.”
The center stood in solidarity with Rabee’s family during a news conference held on Tuesday afternoon.
