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A 20-year-old American citizen, identified as Sayfollah Musallet, was beaten to death on Friday by Israeli settlers in the city of al-Mazra'a ash-Sharqiya, north of Ramallah, while visiting relatives in occupied West Bank, as confirmed by his family and the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Musallet, known as Saif, was working at his family's ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida, and had traveled to Palestine in June to spend time with his mother, brother, and sister.
Her cousin, Fatmah Muhammed, stated to the press that the news was devastating for the entire family. The victim's father traveled from the United States to attend the funeral, which takes place this Sunday.
According to the family statement, a group of settlers prevented an ambulance from accessing Saif for three hours after the attack.
When they were finally able to reach him, it was already too late: “Saif died before reaching the hospital”. In the same incident, another Palestinian man, Mohammed al-Shalabi, 23 years old, also died.
The U.S. State Department confirmed being aware of the reports regarding the death of the American citizen, but declined to provide additional comments “out of respect for the privacy of the victim's family and loved ones,” according to NBC News.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that there have been several Palestinian injuries as a result of the confrontation.
The Israeli police indicated that individuals from both sides were detained at the scene on suspicion of violent acts, and that a joint investigation has been launched between the Military Police and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA).
The attack occurs in a context of increasing violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank since the onset of the war in Gaza in October 2023.
UN reports have warned of an escalation in attacks, which include arson, raids on villages, and physical assaults against Palestinian civilians, often occurring with apparent impunity or with the support of Israeli security forces.
“Colonists have taken everything. They burned vacation homes, invaded the hills, and now one can no longer enjoy the land,” stated Nizar Milbes, a close friend of the family who was in the area at the time of the events.
Frequently Asked Questions about the assassination of Sayfollah Musallet and the violence in the West Bank
Who was Sayfollah Musallet?
Sayfollah Musallet, known as Saif, was a 20-year-old American citizen who worked at a family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida. He was killed by Israeli settlers in the West Bank while visiting his family in the occupied region.
How did the assassination of Sayfollah Musallet occur?
Sayfollah Musallet was beaten to death by Israeli settlers in al-Mazra'a ash-Sharqiya, near Ramallah. According to his family, a group of settlers prevented an ambulance from arriving in time to save his life.
What is the context of violence in the West Bank?
Since the beginning of the war in Gaza in October 2023, there has been an increase in attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, including arson, incursions, and physical assaults against Palestinian civilians, often with apparent impunity.
What actions have the authorities taken following the murder of Sayfollah Musallet?
The Israeli Police and the Israel Defense Forces are investigating the incident, with detainees from both sides suspected of violent acts. However, Musallet's family has requested an investigation by the United States.
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