American ambassador to Israel pegs West Bank fatality as 'act of terrorism'
The death of Sayfollah Musallat, a 20-year-old dual U.S.-Palestinian citizen, has become the focus of an investigation following a brutal attack by Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Sinjil. The incident occurred on July 12, 2025, leaving Musallat severely beaten and ultimately resulting in his death[1][2][4].
According to reports, Musallat was visiting family in Sinjil when he was set upon by a mob of Israeli settlers, who inflicted injuries all over his body[1][2]. In the aftermath of the assault, medics were prevented from reaching him for several hours as settlers surrounded the area, blocking ambulances and paramedics from providing lifesaving aid[2].
Eventually, Musallat's younger brother was able to carry him to a waiting ambulance, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital[2]. Palestinian witnesses reported that the Israeli army prevented villagers from intervening or taking Musallat for treatment during the hours following the attack[1][4].
Another Palestinian was killed and ten others wounded in the settler attack on the village, suggesting a broader violent incident[3].
The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has publicly called on the Israeli government to conduct an aggressive investigation into Musallat’s death and insists on accountability for what he described as a criminal and terrorist act[3]. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident[3].
The attack on Musallat comes amid a rise in settler violence in the West Bank since the Hamas attacks on southern Israel in October 2023[3].
Musallat's family has condemned the attack, stating that Israeli settlers killed him while attempting to illegally seize their land. They expressed devastation and outrage over the brutal killing[2][3]. Palestinian authorities, including the Palestinian Health Ministry, have confirmed the death and attributed it to settler violence[1][2].
U.S. political responses have been mixed, with some criticism emerging regarding the lack of official condolences from certain U.S. officials, with accusations of prioritizing Israeli interests over American citizens' lives[4]. The killing of Musallat is part of a disturbing pattern, with at least seven American citizens killed in the West Bank, Gaza, or Lebanon since October 2023, many by Israeli forces or settlers[1].
In a post on X, Huckabee urged the Israeli government to "aggressively investigate" Musallat's death[3]. It is worth noting that Huckabee, who is the U.S. ambassador to Israel, often refers to the West Bank by its biblical name, Judea and Samaria.
The family of Sayfollah Musallat believes that the Israeli settlers who attacked him were attempting to steal their family's land[2]. This tragic incident underscores ongoing tensions and violence involving settlers in the occupied West Bank and has sparked significant outrage and calls for justice from Palestinian communities and Musallat's family[1][2][3][4].
- The investigation into the death of Sayfollah Musallat, a dual U.S.-Palestinian citizen, is focusing on the features of the brutal attack by Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Sinjil, which is part of the general-news and war-and-conflicts category.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the settler attack in Sinjil that led to the death of Musallat and injuries to other Palestinians, highlighting the impact of such incidents on the health and well-being of the population, especially in the context of an already fragile healthcare system in the region.
- In a press release, the U.S. Department of State has condemned the killing of Sayfollah Musallat and called for a thorough and transparent investigation by the Israeli authorities, emphasizing the importance of accountability in cases involving American citizens, as well as the need for peace and stability in the Middle East, which is a significant area of interest in politics and international relations.
- The crime-and-justice sector has also taken notice of the incident in Sinjil, with human rights organizations calling for action to prevent future attacks on Palestinians and ensure justice for victims and their families, highlighting the ongoing issue of settler violence as a violation of international law and human rights.
