The Attack Sparks Outrage
The recent arson attack that killed an 18-month old todler in the West Bank has triggered outrage across the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and beyond.
According to media reports, masked attackers firebombed the West Bank home in Duma in the early hours, killing the 18-month-old boy and seriously injuring his family. The parents suffered third degree burns and were in critical condition.
The Palestinians allegedly blamed the Israeli government as being responsible for the violence as a form of retaliation for the illegal settlement of Palestinians in the West Bank.
Palestinian groups particularly the Popular Resistance Committees and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) were calling for massive resistance against the Israeli government.
US Condemns The Arson Attack
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Deputy Department Spokesperson Mark C. Toner said the United States condemns in the strongest possible terms last night’s vicious attack in the Palestinian village of Douma.
“We convey our profound condolences to the Dawabsheh family and extend our prayers for a full recovery to those injured.” – Mr. Toner
Mr. Toner said the US welcomes Prime Minister Netanyahu’s order to Israel’s security forces to use all means at their disposal to apprehend the murderers for what he called an act of terrorism and to bring them to justice.
“We urge all sides to maintain calm and avoid escalating tensions in the wake of this tragic incident.” – Mr. Toner
Israel captured East Jerusalem along with the West Bank and Gaza in the Six-Day War in 1967, but annexed the city as its united capital in a move not recognized by the international community. The Palestinians want East Jerusalem as capital of their future State.
Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have been stalled since late September last year following Israel’s refusal to extend a 10-month freeze on settlement activity. That decision prompted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to withdraw from direct talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While Israel has taken action against the perpetrators of this crime, the same cannot be said of the Palestinian Authority when Palestinians kill Israelis.
