Palestinian-American Man Killed in West Bank, Family Claims

Tragedy in the West Bank: A Young American's Death Sparks Calls for Justice

A 20-year-old American, Saifullah Kamel Musallet, was killed in a violent confrontation with settlers in the Israel-occupied West Bank. His family shared the heartbreaking news with CBS News, revealing that Musallet, who lived in Tampa, Florida, was visiting relatives when the incident occurred.

According to his family and the Palestinian Health Ministry, Musallet was protecting his family’s land in the town of Sinjil, located north of Ramallah. He was on his way back to Florida this week, but instead, he became a victim of violence. The confrontation led to his death, which has shocked many and raised concerns about the escalating tensions in the region.

Details of the Incident

Musallet’s relatives stated that he was surrounded by settlers for over three hours. During this time, an ambulance and paramedics were blocked from reaching him. After the mob dispersed, his younger brother managed to carry him to an ambulance, but Musallet passed away before he could reach the hospital. The family described the attack as brutal and unjust, highlighting the lack of immediate medical assistance during the critical moments.

Mohammed Saber Zaben, the head of the local municipality of al Sharqiya, mentioned that many landowners in the area are Palestinian-Americans with U.S. citizenship. He noted that some have faced physical attacks and property destruction due to ongoing conflicts between settlers and residents. According to Zaben, settlers have been attempting to prevent Palestinian farmers from accessing their lands, part of a broader plan to establish an illegal outpost on privately owned properties. These areas fall under international law classifications known as A and B within the Occupied West Bank.

Community Response and Calls for Accountability

Saifullah Musallet was described by his cousin, Fatmah Muhammad, as a kind and compassionate individual who worked at his family's ice cream shop in Tampa. His community in Southern California mourns his loss, expressing deep sorrow over his untimely death.

In addition to Musallet, a second man was fatally shot in the attacks, according to the health ministry. This man was left bleeding for several hours, underscoring the severity of the violence in the region.

The U.S. State Department confirmed that a U.S. citizen died in the West Bank on Friday but directed questions about any investigation into the incident to the Israeli government. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is providing consular assistance to Musallet’s family and has requested further details from Israeli authorities.

The Israel Defense Forces released a statement saying they are aware of reports regarding a Palestinian civilian killed and multiple injured as a result of the confrontation. They indicated that the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and the Israel Police are investigating the incident.

Demands for a U.S. Investigation

Musallet’s family has called for the U.S. to lead an immediate investigation into the killing. In a statement, they demanded accountability for the Israeli settlers involved in the attack. However, the FBI has declined to comment, and the White House did not respond to requests for information.

It remains unclear who exactly was involved in the group of settlers accused of beating Musallet to death. The State Department emphasized that it is up to Israeli police to conduct the investigation.

Political Context and Rising Tensions

The situation in the West Bank has become increasingly volatile. Violence between Israelis and Palestinians continues to escalate, with Israeli settlers expanding their efforts to occupy land in the contested region. Musallet is the fifth American killed in the West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023.

The political landscape has also seen shifts. In January, President Trump rescinded U.S. sanctions on far-right settler groups and extremists accused of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Under President Joe Biden, sanctions were reinstated in 2024 on individuals undermining stability in the West Bank. The Treasury Department also sanctioned the Hilltop Youth, a violent extremist group, and a settlement organization involved with individuals accused of committing violence.

During his first term, Mr. Trump reversed the longstanding U.S. policy that settlements are illegal, a stance that was later restored by Biden. These decisions have had significant implications for the region and the lives of those living there.

As the situation continues to unfold, the call for justice and accountability grows louder. The tragic death of Saifullah Musallet serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the need for greater international attention and action.