Palestinian activist detained at SFO reportedly killed in West Bank

Awdah Al-Hathaleen, a Palestinian teacher, was shot and killed during an altercation with an Israeli settler in the West Bank. He had recently attempted to visit the U. S. to discuss the realities of life in the West Bank, but immigration authorities denied him entry despite his valid visa. Phillip Weintraub, a key organizer from the Kehilla Community Synagogue, reported learning of Al-Hathaleen's death from his cousin, Eid Hthaleen.

Tensions in Al-Hathaleen's village, Umm Al-Khair, escalated when Israeli settlers brought a bulldozer into the area, leading to fears of violence. Although Weintraub condemned the conditions in the West Bank, he did not link the shooting to Al-Hathaleen's failed U. S. visit. Al-Hathaleen was a father of three who was rushed to the hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest.

The incident underscores the ongoing conflict and violence faced by Palestinian communities. Al-Hathaleen was previously featured in the Academy Award-winning documentary “No Other Land,” highlighting the struggles of his community.