CMEP condemns killing of 14-year-old American Palestinian in West Bank

Source: CMEP

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) has condemned the killing of 14-year-old American Palestinian Amir Rabee by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank on April 6 and calls for an investigation into his death.

They state: "The loss of this young life is an unspeakable tragedy and a devastating reminder of the human cost of ongoing violence and occupation.

"Such actions must never be accepted or normalized. The killing of children must stir moral outrage, not silence.

"Amir is the first American killed by Israeli forces in 2025. In 2024, five American citizens - including multiple children - were killed in the West Bank and Gaza. Not a single case has resulted in accountability, justice, or meaningful investigation. The silence and inaction from the US government in response to these deaths are unacceptable and betray the most basic obligations to protect its citizens and uphold human rights. President Trump should have used the meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu as an opportunity to call for accountability on behalf of Amir Rabee. If the Trump Administration is unwilling to pursue the matter, Congress must step in to ensure the perpetrators of Amir's murder are held accountable.

"CMEP also strongly condemns the renewed promotion of the plan by President Trump's administration for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza and the forcible displacement of over forty thousand Palestinians in the West Bank- a plan reaffirmed during the April 7, 2025 meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the President at the White House. Forcibly removing Palestinians from their homeland is a grave violation of international law and a moral outrage that must be unequivocally rejected.

"Furthermore, CMEP urges the United States to pursue diplomatic engagement with Iran rather than resorting to military action. Escalation and warfare will only serve to plunge the region into deeper chaos, destruction, and loss of life. What is needed now is courageous diplomacy rooted in justice, accountability, and the protection of all people in the region.

"We lift up Amir's grieving family in prayer, and we recommit ourselves to the pursuit of peace, dignity, and security for all who call the Holy Land home."