A person with dual Palestinian and American citizenship has been killed in an attack in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Saifullah Musallat, a 20-year-old American citizen, was attacked by a group of Jewish settlers living in the West Bank. The settlers violently beat Saifullah in Sinjil, West Bank, resulting in his death. Additionally, a 23-year-old Palestinian citizen, Hussein al-Shalabi, was also killed. He was shot to death.
In a statement released by Musallat’s family, who live in Tampa, Florida, USA, it was said that medical personnel worked for three hours to approach the area to treat Musallat. The statement mentioned that eventually, his uncle carried him to an ambulance. However, the statement also noted that Musallat had died before reaching the hospital. The statement further said that this situation is a cruel and unjust one that no family should ever have to face. The family has called on the US State Department to immediately Department to immediately launch an investigation and bring the Jewish group responsible for Saifullah’s death to justice.
A spokesperson for the US State Department said they were aware of such an incident occurring in the West Bank. However, out of respect for Saifullah’s family during this sensitive time, the spokesperson said they were unable to comment further on the incident at this moment.
Since October 7, 2023, when Israel began its attacks on Gaza to commit genocide against its people, attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinians living in the West Bank have significantly increased. This past January, when Donald Trump assumed the presidency of the United States, he revoked measures that the previous administration of Joe Biden had put in place against individuals suspected of participating in violent acts against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Among the American citizens killed by Israelis in recent years are Shireen Abu Akleh, a journalist with dual Palestinian-American citizenship; Omar Mohammed Asad, a teenager; and Esenur Ezgi Aygi, an activist with dual Turkish-American citizenship. Last year, the United Nations’ highest court ruled that Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, are illegal and that Israel should withdraw from these areas as soon as possible. The West Bank is part of the territory where Palestinians hope to establish an independent state.
