US says it is ‘devastated’ by killing of Palestinian-American teen near Ramallah

The US says it is “devastated” by the recent killing of Palestinian-American Mohammad Ahmad al-Khdour in the West Bank and demands an investigation into his death.

The Washington Post reported that the 17-year-old was shot in the head by Israeli troops in Bidu near Ramallah in unclear circumstances. The IDF has yet to issue a comment on the incident.

“The United States has no greater priority than the safety and security of US citizens. We urgently call for a quick, thorough and transparent investigation, including full accountability,” reads a tweet from the US Office of Palestinian Affairs.

Al-Khdour’s death expands a growing list of incidents regarding US citizens on which the Biden administration has demanded clarifications from Israel.

Last month another 17-year-old by the name of Tawfic Abdel Jabbar was shot dead in the West Bank. Police said an off-duty law enforcement officer, a soldier and an Israeli settler all opened fire at Jabbar after perceiving him as a threat. The US has also demanded a probe into this incident as well.

Several Palestinian Americans have also been arrested by Israel in both the West Bank and Gaza in recent days, drawing additional comments of concern from US government officials.