(NewsNation) — The United States has confirmed the death of a 17-year-old Palestinian American, Tawfiq Ajaq, who was killed by Israeli gunfire on Friday in the West Bank.
Israeli authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, which has left the teenager’s family devastated.
NewsNation conducted an exclusive interview with the victim’s family, who expressed profound heartbreak and are struggling to comprehend the details surrounding the tragic incident.
Maher Abdul Jabbar, Tawfiq’s cousin, said “I woke up from a phone call saying that my cousin was murdered. And I was just in disbelief.”
Tawfiq, a Louisiana native, had moved to the West Bank last summer to complete his high school education. His family disclosed that the fatal incident occurred as he was driving back from the mountains near their village. According to them, he was shot by the Israeli military and succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital.
Reflecting on the loss, Jabbar lamented, “the good always dies young. And that’s a prime example of what happened to my cousin.”
Mohammad Salen, the Tawfiq’s great uncle, expressed deep sadness for the entire family, stating, “the sadness is covering us from all over.”
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that an off-duty police officer and a civilian fired at a person suspected of throwing rocks in the area. The IDF soldier present at the scene allegedly fired at the Palestinian victim. The claim is currently under review, with the Israel Police launching an investigation into the incident.
The U.S. State Department confirmed the death Friday and are actively seeking more information from the Israeli government to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
National security spokesman John Kirby expressed deep concern about the situation but indicated a lack of further details at this time, stating, “It’s definitely deeply concerning, but I’m afraid I don’t have more information than that right now.”
Tawfiq, had been preparing to start his senior year overseas with plans to return to New Orleans for college to study business.
A vigil was held in the New Orleans area Saturday, where he was a member of a local mosque.
The Palestinian Health Ministry says 369 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since Oct. 7. Most of the Palestinians were killed during shootouts in the West Bank that the Israeli military says began during operations to arrest Palestinian gunmen. In several documented instances, Israeli forces and settlers have killed Palestinians who witnesses report were not engaged in violence.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.