Posted on 08/05/23
| News Source: JPost
The US State Department condemned the killing of a Palestinian by an Israeli settler amid violent clashes outside the village of Burka in the Binyamin region of the West Bank on Friday, in a statement on Saturday night.
Two Israeli settlers were arrested on Saturday morning for their involvement in the clashes, according to Israel Police. One of the arrested settlers is the former spokesperson for an Otzma Yehudit MK Son Har-Melech, Elisha Yered, according to Army Radio. The second suspect was identified as Yehiel Indore.
We strongly condemn yesterday's terror attack by Israeli extremist settlers that killed a 19-year old Palestinian. The U.S. extends our deepest sympathies to his family & loved ones. We note Israeli officials have made several arrests and we urge full accountability and justice.
— U.S. State Dept - Near Eastern Affairs (@StateDept_NEA) August 6, 2023
The incident began after settlers from the Oz Zion outpost let their flocks feed on Palestinian land, according to an IDF report into the incident.
The violence began when Palestinians arrived to push the Israeli shepherds and their flock off their land, the IDF said.
When the Palestinians confronted the settlers, it turned into a verbal disagreement which escalated into stone-throwing and then eventually fireworks and gunfire which ended with one Palestinian dead.
The killed Palestinian was identified as 19-year-old Kosai Ma'atan, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.