US confirms citizen death in West Bank without naming him
The US State Department has confirmed the death of American citizen Khamis Ayyad, 40, in the West Bank village of Silwad on July 31, 2025.
Ayyad, a Palestinian-American father of five, died from smoke inhalation after fires were set by “Israeli” settlers during an attack on the village.
A State Department spokesperson cited by AFP "we can confirm the death of a US citizen in the town of Silwad in the West Bank," without naming Ayyad.
"We condemn criminal violence by any party in the West Bank," the spokesperson said, on condition of anonymity.
Ayyad’s family and Palestinian officials attribute his death to the arson, with his family saying that “Israeli” forces fired tear gas while he was attempting to extinguish a fire on his brother's car.
Witnesses reported that “Israeli” settlers attacked Silwad around dawn, setting multiple homes and vehicles ablaze. Ayyad succumbed to smoke inhalation while fighting a fire engulfing his brother's car.
The “Israeli” military claimed that suspects had fled before their arrival, and “Israeli” police have launched an investigation into the arson and vandalism. “Israeli” authorities have also requested the Palestinian Authority's autopsy findings.
Ayyad, who previously lived in Chicago, had moved to the West Bank with his family but continued to work for an American company.
His family in Chicago has publicly demanded a full, independent investigation by the US Department of Justice, questioning, "An American citizen was killed. Where's the accountability?".
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) has echoed these calls, condemning Ayyad's death as "murder" and urging US officials to act.
Ayyad is the second US citizen killed in the West Bank in July 2025, following the death of Sayfollah Musallet, who was beaten by “Israeli” settlers.
Since 2022, at least ten US citizens have been killed by “Israeli” soldiers or settlers in the West Bank, with none of these cases resulting in criminal charges.
