The father of an 18-month-old Palestinian boy killed late last month in an attack on his home by suspected Jewish extremists, died Saturday from injuries suffered during the attack.
Saad Dawabsha, 32, died in Israel's Soroka hospital early Saturday, Reuters reported. His death occurred weeks after firebombs were hurled into his family's home in Kfar Douma in the West Bank. These July 31 attacks have been condemned by Israeli officials as a "horrific act of terrorism."
Dawabsha was buried later on Saturday at a funeral attended by hundreds.
In addition to injuring the toddler and his father, the boy's mother and 4-year-old brother were also wounded, Haaretz reported. The father allegedly saved his wife and the 4-year-old, but couldn't make it to the baby, who was identified as Ali Dawabshe.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the attack, adding that Jewish extremists are believed to be responsible.
I am shocked by the murder of Ali Dawabshe. This is a reprehensible and horrific act of terrorism in every respect.
Peter Lerner, a spokesman for the IDF, called the firebombing "a barbaric act of terrorism."
This attack against Palestinian civilians is a barbaric act of terrorism. #IDF has heightened efforts to locate terroists responsible #Duma
The prime minister later visited the Dawabshe family in the hospital, saying the 4-year-old had suffered burns to 60% of his body. "We're doing everything we can to save this young boy," he said.
Police spokeswoman Luba Samri told Reuters the attack had "nationalist motives." She said the attackers had written a slogan used by Israeli extremists on the walls of the home.
The attackers spray-painted the words "revenge" and "long live the Messiah" on walls, Haaretz reported.
The U.S. State Department also condemned the violence in a statement, urging calm in the wake of the deadly attack.
"We convey our profound condolences to the Dawabsheh family and extend our prayers for a full recovery to those injured," Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said.
"We welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu’s order to Israel’s security forces to use all means at their disposal to apprehend the murderers for what he called an act of terrorism and bring them to justice. We urge all sides to maintain calm and avoid escalating tensions in the wake of this tragic incident.