(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/30/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today responded to a call by the State Department for an investigation into the death of a 7-year-old Palestinian boy following a raid on his home by Israeli soldiers. CAIR said the investigation must be internationally-led to be credible.
The State Department called on Israel to launch a “thorough” investigation into the death of 7-year-old Rayan Suleiman after Israeli troops came to his home in the Occupied West Bank. Relatives said the boy had no prior health conditions and accused the army of scaring him to death. A cousin of the boy said he was shrieking in fear at the sight of the soldiers and collapsed after they left. His father said Rayan tried to run away and was chased by the soldiers after they said they intended to arrest his brothers.
The Israeli army denied any responsibility on the part of the soldiers. Palestinian and human rights organizations have said the Israeli army is incapable of investigating wrongdoing by its own forces and that soldiers are rarely held to account for their crimes.
State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel, said the United States was “heartbroken to learn of the death of an innocent Palestinian child” and supported a thorough and immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.”
SEE: US calls on Israel to investigate death of Palestinian boy
https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-jerusalem-israel-west-bank-2c034ef110f3651fa3f04411c4848dac
Joint Statement: States Should Act to Protect Human Rights in Palestine, and Dismantle Israel’s Apartheid
EU: Denounce Israel’s Apartheid at Association Council Meeting
https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/09/30/eu-denounce-israels-apartheid-association-council-meeting
In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“While we thank the State Department for recognizing and drawing attention to the disturbing death of this innocent child, it should be clear by now that any investigation into wrongdoing by Israeli troops conducted by the Israeli government is a complete waste of time.
“The Israeli apartheid government has repeatedly proven that it has zero concern for the lives of Palestinians and will not take action against its soldiers for harming innocent Palestinians. Any investigation into the death of Rayan Suleiman must be independently and internationally led in order for it to be effective and credible.”
Awad noted that earlier this month, CAIR condemned the State Department’s “shameful refusal” to hold the Israeli government accountable for murdering American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
He also cited the death of 78-year-old Palestinian-American Omar Assad found dead after being detained by Israeli soldiers.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]