The Israel-Gaza war erupted on 7 October last year when Hamas gunmen infiltrated southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 253 others hostage. Israel responded by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which 29,300 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Amidst this, the suicide of an American military veteran has garnered global concern. Aaron Bushnell, 25, of San Antonio, Texas, was raised in Massachusetts and attended public schools on the Cape Cod peninsula, according to a statement from a local school district. He was associated with the United States Air Force and held a high rank. He had close ties to the military.
In this situation, it appears that Aaron Bushnell was distressed because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Amidst the unresolved situation of the Israel-Gaza conflict, he set himself on fire in front of the the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. on Sunday
Before setting himself alight in what he called an "extreme act of protest", he said he would "no longer be complicit in genocide." He shouted 'Free Palestine' before the act.
Aaron Bushnell, who was dressed in military uniform, identified himself and said he was a serving member of the Air Force. He was taken to the hospital in a critical condition. There, despite medical treatment, he died due to his injuries. The Washington Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into this act of suicide.