One Palestinian killed after dozens of Israeli settlers attack West Bank village; US, Israel condemn incident

Washington

Dozens of Israeli settlers, some wearing masks, attacked the village of Jit in West Bank on Thursday (Aug 15). Footage shared on social media showed cars and houses on fire following the attacks.

According to the Palestinian health ministry, a 23-year-old man was killed and another suffered critical gunshot wounds to the chest in the attack. The United States and the Israeli military condemned the attack. 

'Attacks against Palestinians unacceptable'

The US late Thursday (Aug 15) condemned the attack on Palestinians by Israeli settlers. In a statement, a National Security Council spokesperson said, "Attacks by violent settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank are unacceptable and must stop."

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"Israeli authorities must take measures to protect all communities from harm, this includes intervening to stop such violence and holding all perpetrators of such violence to account," the statement added.

Israeli military condemns incident

The Israeli military also condemned the incident. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the military said that police and army units intervened and arrested one Israeli settler.

The military said it was examining reports about the death of the Palestinian. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying he viewed the incident with "utmost severity." "Those responsible for any offence will be apprehended and tried," the statement added.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)