US Ambassador Demands Thorough Investigation into Killing of Palestinian-American in West Bank

Ambassador Huckabee calls for accountability after the tragic death of 20-year-old Sayfollah Musallet, emphasizing that the US is closely monitoring the situation.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has publicly urged Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of 20-year-old Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet in the West Bank, a crime described as a “criminal and terrorist act.” Musallet, who held dual citizenship in the US and was visiting family in Sinjil, was allegedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers last Friday, as reported by the Palestinian health ministry.

The tragedy has garnered increased attention, particularly following Huckabee's statement on social media where he stressed the necessity of accountability, noting that Musallet was just a young man with his whole life ahead of him.

The Israeli military has claimed it is looking into the incident, framing it as part of a violent confrontation initiated when so-called "terrorists" allegedly threw stones at Israeli civilians. Musallet was killed alongside his friend, Mohammed al-Shalabi, 23, who succumbed to gunshot wounds during the altercation.

Family members of Musallet contend that he was defending his family’s land from encroaching settlers and criticized Israeli settlers for obstructing an ambulance that was trying to reach him, resulting in a delay that contributed to his death. The family has requested that the US State Department launch its own investigation into the incident.

Huckabee, a prominent supporter of Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law, has been under scrutiny by some in the US for his outspoken views regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and his endorsement of a political vision for a “greater Israel.” In the past, he berated US allies like the UK and Australia who imposed sanctions on certain Israeli officials for their violent rhetoric against Palestinians.