Family of Palestinian-American Killed by Israeli Settlers Seeks US Investigation

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The family of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old Palestinian-American from Florida, has called for a thorough US investigation into his killing by suspected Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Musallet, a US citizen, was reportedly attacked and beaten on Friday in the occupied West Bank, with medics prevented from reaching him until after his death. The family described the incident as an “unthinkable tragedy and injustice” in a heartfelt statement, pressing the US State Department to hold those responsible accountable.

The US State Department confirmed Musallet’s death but issued only a brief statement of condolence, citing privacy concerns and offering consular support. Critics argue this response reflects a broader reluctance by successive US administrations to pursue justice when Israeli settlers or forces kill American citizens. Since 2022, at least nine American citizens, including journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, have been killed in the occupied Palestinian territories, with no resulting prosecutions of Israeli forces or settlers.

Rights groups have condemned the lack of accountability. Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), stated in a recent interview, “The US has the legal tools to prosecute such cases, but what’s lacking is the political resolve to protect Palestinian-American citizens or those opposing Israeli policies.” She warned that this inaction risks emboldening further violence, creating a “dangerous precedent” for both Americans and 

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee described Musallet’s killing as a “lynching” and accused Washington of failing to protect Palestinian-American lives.. Similarly, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) challenged President Donald Trump’s commitment to his “America First” stance. “Will he stand up for a Palestinian-American citizen, or will he prioritise appeasing Israel, regardless of the cost?” AMP asked in a public statement. The group also noted that a second Palestinian was killed during the same incident, emphasising that justice should not depend on citizenship.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) echoed these concerns, urging the public to contact lawmakers and demand action. “This killing is not an isolated event but part of a persistent pattern of unpunished violence against US citizens by Israeli settlers and soldiers,” CAIR stated.

The incident has reignited debate about the US government’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics argue that the failure to pursue justice in cases involving American citizens signals tacit approval of settler violence, undermining the rule of law. As Musallet’s family awaits answers, their call for an independent probe highlights a broader demand for equal treatment under the law, regardless of ethnicity or political context.