Two Israeli embassy staff members murdered in America
Two Israeli embassy officials were gunned down in the US. The two had visited the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, the US capital, to attend an event. While leaving the event, the two were gunned down at close range by unknown attackers. Both died instantly. It remains unclear who or what caused the attack. Israel has condemned the attack.
Trump's Condemnation
US President Donald Trump also criticized the attack. He tweeted, "This is a horrific murder, definitely anti-Semitic. It has to stop now. Hate and violence have no place in America. Condolences to families of the victims."
Details of the Attack
News group Reuters said that among the victims was a woman and the other a man, who were shot dead along Third and F Streets in northwest Washington, DC. The victims were just a stone's throw from the FBI field office, which houses the U.S. Attorney's Office. The two murders have provoked outrage in the sensitive neighborhood.
Official Confirmation
The attack was initially reported by US Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem on social media. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed he was aware of the incident and his office was in touch with the Metropolitan Police Department.
Israeli Response
Israel has also condemned the killing. Its ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, described the "brutal act of anti-Semitism." He added, "We hope that the US administration will take strong action against those involved in this criminal act." While doing so, he added, with a slightly cautionary note, that Israel will take firm steps to safeguard its citizens anywhere across the globe.
Attack Amidst Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Incidentally, Tel Aviv attacked the Gaza Strip militarily after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel. Ever since that, the Jewish majority state has continued to bomb Gaza, citing the matter of curtailing Hamas. In that context, the killing of two workers of the Israeli embassy in America, which is known to be pro-Israel, is deemed important.
