US Ambassador Urges Investigation into West Bank Palestinian-American's Death

The ambassador's statement follows the violent death of 20-year-old Sayfollah Musallet, stirring reactions in Israel and the United States regarding tensions in the region.

US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has urged Israeli officials to conduct an "aggressive investigation" into the murder of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old dual Palestinian-American citizen from Florida. Musallet was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in Sinjil, a town in the occupied West Bank, as confirmed by the Palestinian health ministry.

Following the initial response from US officials, Huckabee described the incident as a "criminal and terrorist act," emphasizing the need for accountability in a post on social media platform X. He lamented Musallet's untimely death, highlighting his young age. Reports state that the Israeli military is looking into the case, suggesting that a "violent confrontation developed" after perceived threats from "terrorists" who threw stones at Israeli civilians.

The incident took place while Musallet was visiting relatives in Sinjil, where he was killed alongside his companion Mohammed al-Shalabi, 23, who succumbed to gunfire. The family of Musallet insists that he was defending their familial land from encroaching settlers and has called on the US State Department to initiate an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Huckabee, a prominent supporter of Israeli settlements — which many organizations regard as unlawful under international law — has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers over his staunch pro-Israel stance and prior comments concerning ongoing conflicts in Gaza. His advocacy for a "greater Israel," which would entail Israeli dominion over the Occupied Palestinian Territories, raises eyebrows as tensions escalate. Last month, he criticized Western allies for imposing sanctions on right-wing Israeli ministers accused of inciting violence against Palestinian communities.