The State Department confirmed the death of U.S. citizen Tuvya Weisman Friday in an attack that took place in the West Bank Thursday.
According to reports, the Israeli military says two Palestinian teenagers stabbed Weisman to death and wounded another person at a grocery store. The teens were shot and injured by an armed Israeli civilian.
State Department Deputy spokesperson Mark Toner chastised the actions of the attackers, saying in a statement, “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the attack that took place yesterday in the West Bank that resulted in the death of U.S. citizen Tuvya Weisman. There is no justification for terrorism.”
Toner added, “This horrific incident again underscores the need for all sides to reject violence, and urgently take steps to restore calm, reduce tensions, and bring an immediate end to the violence. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, and stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance.”
According to the Associated Press, since mid-September, 28 Israelis were killed in what appears to be daily violence between Palestinians and Israeli civilians and security personnel. Israel told the AP that there have been 115 attackers among the 160 Palestinians Israel has gunned down.