In a tragic turn of events, Tawfic, a Palestinian American teenager, was killed in the occupied West Bank, leading his family to demand justice for his death. Tawfic had arrived in May with the intention of exploring the village where his father had grown up and learning more about his Palestinian roots. However, he never anticipated that he would be buried in that very land.

Tawfic's family attributes his death to the escalating settler violence in the territory, which has seen a surge since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. Abdel Jabbar, Tawfic's father, expressed his disappointment in the perceived lack of support from the United States, his own country, due to its backing of Israel, including supplying weapons. He doubts that his government will act in his son's interest.

During Tawfic's funeral, disturbing video footage shared by his father showed his lifeless body, with cuts and bruises on his face, wrapped in a traditional Palestinian scarf. Friends and family bid their final farewells, describing Tawfic as a beloved, outgoing teenager.

According to Abdel Jabbar, Tawfic had gone on a picnic with friends when he was shot. Witnesses informed him that the assailant appeared to be an Israeli settler who opened fire, followed by someone wearing an Israel Defense Forces uniform. The IDF claimed that they had received a report regarding an incident involving a Palestinian individual suspected of throwing rocks, and they were investigating whether one of their soldiers had fired at Tawfic.

Abdel Jabbar dismissed allegations that his son was involved in rock-throwing as a lie, questioning the disproportionate use of force. Despite the ongoing investigations, he implored, "Even if rocks were thrown, so what?"

Abdel Jabbar recounted rushing to the scene upon hearing of his son's shooting, only to encounter IDF personnel who aimed their guns at him and other family members, warning them to leave the area. Pictures of Tawfic's bloodstained truck and shattered windshield served as a haunting reminder of the tragic incident.

The killing of Tawfic comes at a time when human rights organizations have reported an increase in settler violence in the West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, since October 7th, a total of 344 Palestinians, including 88 children, have been killed by security forces and settlers in the West Bank.

Abdel Jabbar's frustration deepens as he questions the U.S. government's response to his son's death. While the State Department offered condolences and expressed concerns about the incident, he remains skeptical about the extent of the investigation given the U.S. government's support for Israel. The ongoing offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in a staggering loss of life and thousands injured, further exacerbates his anger and grief.

As Tawfic's family mourns his untimely death, they continue to demand justice and accountability for his killing, hoping that their cries will not go unanswered.