US Demands Probe into Death of Palestinian American in West Bank

Saifullah Kamel Musallet, a 20-year-old Palestinian American, was killed in the West Bank last week. The Musallet family alleges that he was attacked by Israeli settlers while defending their land during a family visit.

US Demands Probe into Death of Palestinian American in West Bank

By Bing Jabadan – Thenationweek.com  

July 23, 2025

SINJIL, West Bank – The United States is pressing for a full and transparent investigation into the death of Saifullah Kamel Musallet, a 20-year-old Palestinian American who died last week in the West Bank after a reported clash with Israeli settlers.

The incident, which occurred near Sinjil, north of Ramallah, has ignited calls for accountability amid escalating violence and humanitarian concerns in the region.

US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, publicly condemned the incident on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, describing it as a “criminal and terrorist act” in a social media post and emphasizing the need for a “thorough investigation.”

Musallet, who was visiting family, allegedly died after being attacked by settlers while defending his family’s land, according to a statement from the Musallet family.

They claim settlers surrounded Musallet for three hours, allegedly preventing medical assistance from reaching him.

“They left him there to die,” a family member said, describing how Musallet’s younger brother eventually carried him to an ambulance after the settlers dispersed.

Musallet died en route to the hospital.

He was scheduled to return to his home in Tampa, Florida, this week.

The death comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions and a reported surge in violence in the West Bank.

Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, reported a 13 percent increase in settler-related incidents resulting in casualties or property damage in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, highlighting the increasing dangers faced by Palestinians in the region.

The UN is urging Israel, as the occupying power, to ensure the safety of Palestinians and conduct comprehensive, independent investigations into all allegations of unlawful killings and other violations of international law.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced a joint investigation with the Israel Police and Military Police Criminal Investigation Division into Musallet’s death.

A US State Department spokesperson offered condolences to the Musallet family and confirmed that consular assistance is being provided.

While some reports indicate that six individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, Israeli authorities have not confirmed these arrests.

According to an Israeli police spokesperson, security forces intervened to restore order and made arrests on both sides following the incident.

However, the spokesperson acknowledged that a formal homicide report had not been filed at the time, and access to Musallet’s body for forensic examination was not granted.

Musallet’s family reports they have received no updates regarding arrests.

The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is calling on President Donald Trump to hold Israel accountable, citing past incidents involving American citizens that have gone unpunished.

“If President Trump will not even put America first when Israel murders American citizens, then this is truly an Israel First administration,” stated CAIR-Florida Executive Director Imam Abdullah Jaber as he criticized what he sees as US government inaction.

Musallet’s death underscores a growing concern over the safety of American citizens in the West Bank.

His case joins a list of other high-profile incidents, including the deaths of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who were reportedly killed by Israeli forces.

Accountability in those cases remains elusive, fueling further distrust and calls for justice.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to be volatile, the call for a transparent and impartial investigation into Musallet’s death underscores the urgent need for justice and accountability.

The incident has reignited debate over the safety of American citizens in the West Bank and the role of the US government in ensuring their protection.