US Resident Dies During Israel’s Military Campaign in Lebanon, According to Friend

By Kanishka Singh and Andrea Shalal

A resident of Dearborn, Michigan, has been reported killed in Lebanon, according to the U.S. government. Friends and neighbors have indicated that he died in an Israeli airstrike.

The White House expressed its condolences, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the death of Kamel Ahmad Jawad and our hearts go out to his family and friends. His death is a tragedy, as are the deaths of many civilians in Lebanon."

Earlier, a spokesperson from the State Department addressed inquiries about the incident, clarifying that it involved a legal permanent resident rather than a U.S. citizen. The spokesperson extended sincere condolences to Jawad’s family.

Israel’s ongoing military actions in Lebanon have resulted in numerous casualties, with hundreds killed, thousands injured, and over a million displaced, as the country targets Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

Jawad was reportedly in Lebanon caring for his elderly mother. His friend, Hamzah Raza, along with local communities in Dearborn, have taken to social media to honor him, describing him as "one of the kindest and most generous humans."

The details surrounding the circumstances of Jawad’s death remain unconfirmed by independent sources.

The U.S. government has experienced criticism regarding its support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly from communities in Dearborn, which has a significant Arab American population.