US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has requested that Israeli authorities conduct an "aggressive investigation" into the tragic killing of Palestinian-American Saifollah Musallet, a 20-year-old dual citizen from Florida, allegedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in Sinjil last Friday evening. The situation has escalated tensions, drawing attention to the ongoing violence in the occupied West Bank.
Following the initial muted response from the US government, Huckabee condemned the incident, labeling it a "criminal and terrorist act." On X, he emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "Saif was just 20 years old." Reports from the Palestinian health ministry indicate that Musallet was attacked while visiting relatives, where he reportedly sought to protect family land from encroaching settlers.
The Israeli military has claimed to be investigating the incident, suggesting a "violent confrontation developed" after "terrorists" allegedly threw stones at Israeli civilians. However, the circumstances surrounding Musallet's death, along with the killing of his friend, Mohammed al-Shalabi, who died from a gunshot wound, have prompted Musallet's family to call for a thorough investigation from the US State Department, further complicating US-Israel relations.
Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas with strong evangelical support for Israeli settlements, has long been an advocate for what he calls a "greater Israel," supporting permanent Israeli control over the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In recent months, he has faced backlash from US Democrats and others for his staunch positions, particularly within the context of the ongoing war in Gaza.
The escalating situation and calls for accountability reflect the broader unrest in the region, revealing deep-rooted tensions and highlighting the urgent need for an address to both the violence and systemic issues affecting Palestinian communities. As this story develops, further insights and updates will be provided regarding the investigation and responses from both the US and Israeli authorities.
