The United States on Sunday condemned the terrorist attack in Huwara, in which brothers Hillel and Yagel Yaniv from Har Bracha were murdered, but also condemned what it termed the “settler violence” which broke out following the attack.
“We condemn today’s violence in the West Bank, including the terrorist attack that killed two Israelis and settler violence, which resulted in the killing of one Palestinian, injuries to over 100 others, and the destruction of extensive property,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price tweeted.
“These developments underscore the imperative to immediately de-escalate tensions in words and deeds. The United States will continue to work with Israelis and Palestinians and our regional partners towards restoring calm,” he added.
Security forces on Sunday evening were able to calm the situation in Huwara, where clashes broke out between Jewish residents and Palestinian Arabs following the attack.
The forces used gas and stun grenades to disperse the rioters. Three Jews were injured from rocks thrown at them by Palestinian Arabs and two more were injured from the gas grenades used by security forces.
After the clashes broke out, the Palestinian Arabs claimed that Jews set fire to houses in the village and broke store windows. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported about 100 Palestinian Arab casualties in the clashes. This number has no confirmation from other sources.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on Sunday evening condemning the attack while also calling for restraint, urging Israelis against vigilante actions.
"A terrible tragedy occurred today. I would like to send condolences to the Yaniv family, which lost two of its dear sons; may God avenge them.”
“The IDF and the security forces are currently in pursuit of the murderer. We will find him. We will apprehend him and we will settle accounts with him.”
“I ask – even when the blood is boiling – not to take the law into one's hands. I ask that the IDF and the security forces be allowed to carry out their work. I remind you that in recent weeks, they have targeted dozens of terrorists and thwarted dozens of attacks.”
“Let the IDF complete its pursuit and do not take the law into your hands; together we will defeat terrorism."
The attack took place as Jordan hosted an “emergency summit” in Aqaba following the latest escalation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The summit included delegations from Egypt, Israel, the US, and the Palestinian Authority.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan lauded the summit, hailing it as the first meeting of its kind "in years."
"We welcome the meeting held today in Aqaba, Jordan, between senior officials of Israel, the Palestinian Authority (PA), Jordan, Egypt, and the United States. This was the first meeting of its kind in years, and resulted in the Aqaba Communiqué, with commitments by the Government of Israel and the PA to de-escalate and prevent further violence."
"The two sides also affirmed their commitment to all previous agreements between them, and to work towards a just and lasting peace. We recognize that this meeting was a starting point and that there is much work to do over the coming weeks and months to build a stable and prosperous future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Implementation will be critical."
