Palestinian-American Killed by Israeli Settlers in West Bank, Family Demands US Investigation

RAMALLAH – Israeli settlers brutally attacked and killed a 20-year-old Palestinian-American man on Friday in the occupied West Bank town of Sinjil, north of Ramallah. The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed the death of Sayfollah Musallet, stating that settlers severely beat him across his body, leading to his martyrdom.

Eyewitnesses and local officials described the assault as savage and unprovoked. The municipality of Sinjil labeled the killing a “barbaric attack,” saying it was part of an ongoing wave of daily violence against Palestinian civilians by Israeli settlers. They further alleged that Israeli forces stormed the area during the attack and interfered with efforts by paramedics and volunteers to provide medical assistance.

According to a friend of the Musallet family, who spoke with CNN, the young man was born in Tampa, Florida, and held U.S. citizenship. He had traveled to the West Bank to visit family and spend the summer in his hometown.

U.S. Family Calls for State Department Action

Musallet’s family has called on the U.S. State Department to lead an investigation into his death. They say the case highlights a growing pattern of violence against Palestinian civilians by Israeli settlers, often carried out under the watch or protection of Israeli security forces.

“He was a peaceful, kind-hearted young man,” said the family friend. “He had dreams, he wanted to help his community. And he was killed like this — beaten to death in broad daylight.”

The killing comes at a time when settler violence has sharply increased in the West Bank. Human rights groups have documented dozens of recent attacks on Palestinian homes, cars, and farmland, with little accountability for the perpetrators. Many residents believe that settlers now feel emboldened by the political backing of far-right figures in the Israeli government.

The Biden administration has previously voiced concern over rising settler violence. However, rights advocates and Palestinian-American families now demand stronger action—especially when US citizens are involved. “There must be consequences,” the Musallet family said in a statement. “We want justice. We want accountability.”

Israeli Forces Announce Probe, But Doubts Linger

The Israeli military acknowledged reports of the killing and announced that it was investigating the incident in coordination with the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) and Israel Police. “We are looking into the circumstances of the confrontation and the injuries,” said the army’s statement.

Still, Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses remain skeptical. “We’ve seen this many times before,” a Sinjil municipal official said. “When settlers kill Palestinians, these so-called investigations lead nowhere. There’s no justice.”

Palestinian leaders quickly condemned the attack. They accused the Israeli government of enabling settler violence by failing to enforce the law in the West Bank. “This is the result of a political atmosphere that tolerates—and even encourages—settler aggression,” said a Palestinian Authority spokesperson.

Sayfollah Musallet’s killing is part of a disturbing trend. In recent months, settlers have reportedly burned homes, vandalized mosques, and destroyed Palestinian crops. The United Nations says settler-related violence has displaced hundreds of Palestinians.

Family Demands International Action

As Musallet’s body was laid to rest in his ancestral hometown, mourners gathered in large numbers to honor his memory. Family members and local residents denounced the killing and called on international bodies—especially the United States—to hold Israel accountable.

“This young man was an American citizen,” said a relative. “If this doesn’t spark outrage in Washington, what will?”

“We’re burying another innocent soul,” said a local imam. “How many more?”

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