The family of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old US citizen from Florida killed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, is demanding Washington conduct its own investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable.
In a family statement, they described how Israeli settlers surrounded Musallet for three hours during Friday’s assault and attacked medics attempting to reach him. The young man, known as Saif, was characterized as “kind, hard-working, and deeply-respected” while working to build his future.
“This is an unimaginable nightmare and injustice that no family should ever have to face,” the statement read. “We demand the US State Department lead an immediate investigation and hold the Israeli settlers who killed Saif accountable for their crimes. We demand justice.”
Washington has historically resisted calls to investigate killings of US citizens by Israeli forces, with officials maintaining that Israel can investigate its own conduct. However, Israeli investigations rarely result in criminal charges against settlers or soldiers, despite documented violations against Palestinians.
The State Department responded Friday that it “has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens overseas.” A spokesperson confirmed awareness of reports regarding the US citizen’s death in the West Bank and readiness to provide consular services, but declined further details citing family privacy.
Israeli forces have killed at least nine US citizens since 2022, including veteran Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, with no incidents resulting in criminal charges.
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee stated the US “must stop treating Palestinian American lives as expendable.” They noted that “Israeli settlers lynched 20-year-old Palestinian American Sayfollah Musallet, while US officials stayed silent. Sayfollah was born and raised in Florida. He was visiting family for the summer in the West Bank when settlers beat him to death while he protested illegal land seizures.”
American Muslims for Palestine questioned whether Trump would uphold his “America First” promise regarding a Palestinian-American victim, asking: “Will he uphold his ‘America First’ promise when it’s a Palestinian-American whose life was taken? Or will he once again bow his head to Israel, no matter the cost in blood?”
The group emphasized that US citizenship should not determine justice, noting another Palestinian was killed in the same settler attack Saturday. “Whether a Palestinian holds American citizenship or not, every single murder committed by this regime must be explicitly prohibited, punished, and condemned,” they stated.
The US provides billions in military aid to Israel and protects its ally diplomatically at international forums, often using veto power to block UN Security Council proposals critical of Israeli actions.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations urged supporters Saturday to contact lawmakers demanding condemnation of Musallet’s killing. “This was not an isolated incident. It was part of a long, unpunished pattern of violence against US citizens by Israeli soldiers and settlers,” they stated.
Sarah Leah Whitson of rights group DAWN noted the US has tools for accountability in the Musallet case, pointing to Washington’s pursuit of criminal charges against Hamas officials for killing US citizens during the October 7, 2023 attack in Israel.
“What is really missing is the political will from the United States government to protect American citizens of Palestinian origin or Americans protesting Israeli actions in the West Bank,” Whitson told Al Jazeera. “What it really does is it sets a precedent of encouragement and sets a precedent for open season on Americans just as there is open season on Palestinians.”
About the author
Bolsonaro Supporters Rally Nationwide as Trump Sanctions Brazil Over Coup Trial
Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have demonstrated across major cities protesting the Supreme Court coup trial that could result in lengthy prison sentences for the former leader. Protesters gathered Sunday in Sรฃo Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other cities, carrying Brazilian and United States flags in apparent reference to President Donald Trump's support for his political ally. Demonstrators displayed banners featuring images of both Bolsonaro and Trump while chanting supportive slogans. Bolsonaro faces accusations of attempting to overturn the 2022 election results after losing to left-wing opponent and current President Luiz Inรกcio Lula da Silva. In January 2023, Bolsonaro supporters stormed Brazil's congress, ransacking chambers and attacking police in scenes reminiscent of the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters. According to testimony from a Brazilian general, the alleged plotters also planned to assassinate […]
Smithsonian Museum Quietly Removes Trump Impeachment Display Sparking Political Firestorm
The Smithsonian Institution has denied political influence in its decision to remove a display about President Donald Trump's impeachments from the National Museum of American History. The institution stated Saturday that it removed the "temporary" placard for failing to meet museum standards regarding "appearance, location, timeline, and overall presentation." Officials explained the display was inconsistent with other exhibit sections and obstructed views of objects within its case. "We were not asked by any Administration or other government officials to remove content from the exhibit," the Smithsonian said in a statement. The institution, which operates 21 museums and the National Zoo, announced plans to update the impeachment section in coming weeks to "reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nation's history." The Washington Post reported Thursday that the museum removed explicit references to Trump's impeachments last month, leaving the exhibit incorrectly stating […]
FBI Opens Major New Office in New Zealand to Counter China Threat
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has established a standalone office in Wellington, New Zealand, marking a significant expansion of US law enforcement presence in the Asia Pacific region. The move represents both countries' coordinated efforts to address Chinese influence across the region. FBI Director Kash Patel personally traveled to New Zealand to inaugurate the office, emphasizing the "strong relationship" between the FBI and New Zealand's law enforcement and intelligence agencies during Thursday's opening. Speaking in a video shared by the US embassy, Patel highlighted US-New Zealand collaboration on China-related issues as particularly significant. "Some of the most important global issues of our times are the ones that New Zealand and America work on together โ countering the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] in the Indo PACOM theatre, countering the narcotics trade, working together against cyber-intrusions and ransomware operations and, most importantly, […]
NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested For Running Million Dollar Poker Ring From Mansion
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and five co-defendants face federal charges for allegedly operating an illegal gambling enterprise from his Encino, California mansion. The 43-year-old former guard is charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. He appeared for arraignment Wednesday afternoon in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles, facing a potential maximum sentence of five years in federal prison per count if convicted. Among those arrested Wednesday was 49-year-old Yevgeni Gershman, identified by the US Attorney's Office of the Central District of California as a suspected organized crime figure from Israel. According to the unsealed federal indictment, Arenas and his co-defendants operated the illegal gambling business between September 2021 and July 2022. Arenas rented his Encino mansion to co-conspirators who hosted illegal "Pot […]
Messi Delivers Last Second Miracle Pass to Save Inter Miami From Embarrassment
Lionel Messi recorded two assists, including a crucial setup in the match's final moments, as Inter Miami defeated Atlas 2-1 in their Leagues Cup opener at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The match marked Messi's return following a one-game suspension imposed by Major League Soccer for missing the All-Star game, along with teammate Jordi Alba. The 38-year-old Argentine proved decisive by setting up Marcelo Weigandt for the match-winning goal in stoppage time on Wednesday night. "It's a competition that we always do well in," Messi stated in Spanish during his post-match Apple TV interview. "I think we did a great job against a great team." Messi's first assist came in the 58th minute when he received a through ball from Sergio Busquets before delivering it to Telasco Segovia for an easy finish to open the scoring. Atlas responded through Rivaldo Lozano's equalizer […]
Russian Missiles Kill Six Including Child As Trump’s Peace Deadline Expires
At least six people were killed and more than 50 were wounded in a Russian drone and missile attack that hit multiple districts across Kyiv and collapsed an apartment building, Ukrainian officials reported. Among the fatalities was a six-year-old boy. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, warned the death toll could increase, with damage reported at over two dozen locations throughout the capital. The distinctive sound of Russian drones was audible for hours over Kyiv, punctuated by the explosive impact of missile strikes. Despite the ongoing attacks, they have persisted even after US President Donald Trump threatened stronger sanctions against Moscow if Vladimir Putin fails to agree to a ceasefire by August 8. Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 309 drones and cruise missiles overnight. While air defense systems intercepted some incoming projectiles, numerous strikes found their targets, […]
Related
Anfield Evacuated Minutes Before Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao Match
Liverpool's Anfield Main Stand was evacuated prior to their scheduled friendly match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. The fixture was set to kick off at 5:00 p.m., with a second match between the same teams planned for 8:00 p.m. Spectators were directed to leave the stadium immediately after an alarm activation, as they were taking their seats. Officials have not yet disclosed the reason for the evacuation. Spectators leaving the stadium The matches represent Liverpool's preparation for the new Premier League season, featuring a combination of first-team players and academy prospects across two separate games against the Spanish club. The squad for the opening fixture includes Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Kostas Tsimikas, and Andy Robertson among the senior players selected. These friendlies mark Liverpool's return to Anfield following the tragic death of Diogo Jota. The […]
Bolsonaro Supporters Rally Nationwide as Trump Sanctions Brazil Over Coup Trial
Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have demonstrated across major cities protesting the Supreme Court coup trial that could result in lengthy prison sentences for the former leader. Protesters gathered Sunday in Sรฃo Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other cities, carrying Brazilian and United States flags in apparent reference to President Donald Trump's support for his political ally. Demonstrators displayed banners featuring images of both Bolsonaro and Trump while chanting supportive slogans. Bolsonaro faces accusations of attempting to overturn the 2022 election results after losing to left-wing opponent and current President Luiz Inรกcio Lula da Silva. In January 2023, Bolsonaro supporters stormed Brazil's congress, ransacking chambers and attacking police in scenes reminiscent of the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters. According to testimony from a Brazilian general, the alleged plotters also planned to assassinate […]
Smithsonian Museum Quietly Removes Trump Impeachment Display Sparking Political Firestorm
The Smithsonian Institution has denied political influence in its decision to remove a display about President Donald Trump's impeachments from the National Museum of American History. The institution stated Saturday that it removed the "temporary" placard for failing to meet museum standards regarding "appearance, location, timeline, and overall presentation." Officials explained the display was inconsistent with other exhibit sections and obstructed views of objects within its case. "We were not asked by any Administration or other government officials to remove content from the exhibit," the Smithsonian said in a statement. The institution, which operates 21 museums and the National Zoo, announced plans to update the impeachment section in coming weeks to "reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nation's history." The Washington Post reported Thursday that the museum removed explicit references to Trump's impeachments last month, leaving the exhibit incorrectly stating […]
FBI Opens Major New Office in New Zealand to Counter China Threat
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has established a standalone office in Wellington, New Zealand, marking a significant expansion of US law enforcement presence in the Asia Pacific region. The move represents both countries' coordinated efforts to address Chinese influence across the region. FBI Director Kash Patel personally traveled to New Zealand to inaugurate the office, emphasizing the "strong relationship" between the FBI and New Zealand's law enforcement and intelligence agencies during Thursday's opening. Speaking in a video shared by the US embassy, Patel highlighted US-New Zealand collaboration on China-related issues as particularly significant. "Some of the most important global issues of our times are the ones that New Zealand and America work on together โ countering the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] in the Indo PACOM theatre, countering the narcotics trade, working together against cyber-intrusions and ransomware operations and, most importantly, […]
NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested For Running Million Dollar Poker Ring From Mansion
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and five co-defendants face federal charges for allegedly operating an illegal gambling enterprise from his Encino, California mansion. The 43-year-old former guard is charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. He appeared for arraignment Wednesday afternoon in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles, facing a potential maximum sentence of five years in federal prison per count if convicted. Among those arrested Wednesday was 49-year-old Yevgeni Gershman, identified by the US Attorney's Office of the Central District of California as a suspected organized crime figure from Israel. According to the unsealed federal indictment, Arenas and his co-defendants operated the illegal gambling business between September 2021 and July 2022. Arenas rented his Encino mansion to co-conspirators who hosted illegal "Pot […]
Russian Missiles Kill Six Including Child As Trump’s Peace Deadline Expires
At least six people were killed and more than 50 were wounded in a Russian drone and missile attack that hit multiple districts across Kyiv and collapsed an apartment building, Ukrainian officials reported. Among the fatalities was a six-year-old boy. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, warned the death toll could increase, with damage reported at over two dozen locations throughout the capital. The distinctive sound of Russian drones was audible for hours over Kyiv, punctuated by the explosive impact of missile strikes. Despite the ongoing attacks, they have persisted even after US President Donald Trump threatened stronger sanctions against Moscow if Vladimir Putin fails to agree to a ceasefire by August 8. Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 309 drones and cruise missiles overnight. While air defense systems intercepted some incoming projectiles, numerous strikes found their targets, […]
Be the first to leave a comment