Amer Rabee, 14-year-old Palestinian-American from New Jersey, shot, killed by Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, in West Bank

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. — A family and community are seeking answers following the tragic death of a teenage Palestinian-American who was raised in New Jersey and was fatally shot in the West Bank.

Amer Rabee, 14, and two other teens were shot by Israeli forces for allegedly throwing rocks.

The incident occurred after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced in a statement on Sunday that they had identified “three terrorists who threw rocks in the direction of the highway, putting civilian drivers at risk” in the Turmus Ayya region of the West Bank.

The Palestinian-American Community Center confirmed Rabee’s death. He is the nephew of one of the center’s board members.

They said he was shot 11 times in total.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed in a statement to ABC News that a U.S. citizen died in the West Bank.

“We take note of the IDF’s initial statement indicating that this event took place during an anti-terrorism operation and that Israel is conducting an investigation,” the statement expressed.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy released the following statement, asking for answers from Israel:

“Amer was a U.S. citizen and New Jersey native who grew up in Saddle Brook. As the circumstances of his death remain unclear, I am asking for answers from the Israeli government as to why Amer, who was just 14 years old, was killed. This tragic loss of life underscores that the current course of conflict is continuing to take too great of a toll on too many people. Tammy and I are praying for Amer’s parents, Mohammed and Majed, and his four siblings, as they face this horrific loss.”

The center joined Rabee’s family at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon.

(ABC News contributed to this report.)

Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
McIver Assault on ICE Officers Sparks National Outrage

Attack on ICE Agents by McIver Causes Nationwide Anger

Last Updated on May 20, 2025 Assault on ICE Officers Sparks Outrage…
Massive jail break in New Orleans 'impossible' without staff involvement, says ex-FBI fugitive hunter

Former FBI fugitive tracker claims staff involvement was necessary for the “impossible” large prison escape in New Orleans

According to a former FBI agent with a decade of experience hunting…
'Zootopia 2' trailer: Ke Huy Quan joins Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman as Gary De'Snake, a fugitive reptile

Trailer for ‘Zootopia 2’: Ke Huy Quan Joins Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman as Gary De’Snake, a Reptile on the Run

Judy and Nick are back, and this time, they’re undercover! On Tuesday,…
Southern Illinois shooting: Elijah Thompson of Belleville charged in Fairview Heights shooting injuring Molly Muennich, 2 others

Charges Filed Against Elijah Thompson from Belleville for Shooting That Injured Molly Muennich and 2 Others in Fairview Heights, Southern Illinois

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — A man has been charged in the…
I was shot nine times and left for dead. My mystery attacker disappeared into the wilderness... until Christmas five years later

Attacked, shot, and abandoned for dead – the mysterious assailant vanished into the wild, reemerging on Christmas five years later.

I’m told I shouldn’t be alive. While on patrol in Southeast Utah…
I'm a diet expert - a common symptom after eating could mean you're at risk of deadly cancer

Eating-Related Symptoms That Could Signal Potential Cancer Risk

A dietitian is advising individuals to seek assistance if they experience coughing…
Disney's Lilo & Stitch live-action movie suffers fresh blow as devastating reviews roll in from critics

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action film faces a setback as it receives negative reviews from critics.

Critics have slammed Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch prior to…
Americans flock to unlikely foreign country for its James Bond vibes and big tax breaks

Americans are drawn to an unexpected foreign destination for its James Bond atmosphere and generous tax incentives

The pull of a ritzy lifestyle on the Mediterranean is just too…
Red light cameras: Chicago Heights, Rolling Meadows, Evergreen Park, Hillside, Burbank make millions, but who reviews the tickets?

Who is responsible for checking tickets generated by red light cameras in Chicago Heights, Rolling Meadows, Evergreen Park, Hillside, and Burbank, who collectively generate substantial revenue?

CHICAGO (WLS) — They flash, they fine, and they fuel tens of…
Gayle King could lose lucrative CBS News gig within months as embattled network faces ratings freefall

Gayle King’s CBS News position may be at risk in the coming months due to declining ratings at the troubled network.

Gayle King, a familiar face on CBS News for years, may be…
New Orleans jail escape: Search continues for 6 of 10 men who escaped from Orleans Justice Center, reward for info increases

Search Ongoing for 6 Fugitives from Orleans Justice Center Following Jail Escape

NEW ORLEANS — Following the escape of 10 men from a New…
Trump immigration advisor targets criminals exploiting unaccompanied minors who entered US under Biden

Trump’s immigration aide focuses on stopping criminals taking advantage of unaccompanied minors who entered the US during Biden’s term.

A former Border Patrol chief, tasked with advising on immigration matters concerning…