The administration of US President Donald Trump avoided condemning the killing of a Palestinian-American citizen at the hands of settlers in the West Bank.
In response to a question about the killing of 19-year-old Nasrallah Abu Siam in an armed attack launched by settlers on the Palestinian village of Mikhmas in the central West Bank, a US State Department spokesman confirmed that the administration “has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans.”
The spokesman added: “We are aware of the death of an American citizen in the West Bank. We are closely monitoring the situation, and we stand ready to provide consular assistance.”
The statement added: “Out of respect for the privacy of family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment at this time.”
The Trump administration has largely avoided commenting on settler violence in the West Bank.
Rare exceptions have been some incidents involving US citizens, although that does not appear to be the case this time.
