Family of US-Palestinian man killed by 'Israeli' settlers demands US investigation

The family of Saif al-Din Kamil Abdul Karim Musalat, a 20-year-old US citizen of Palestinian origin, is calling on the US State Department to launch an immediate investigation after he was beaten to death by 'Israeli' settlers in the occupied West Bank on Friday.

Musalat, who was born and raised in Florida, had traveled to the village of Sinjil, north of Ramallah, just weeks ago to visit relatives. According to the Palestinian health ministry, he was attacked and killed by settlers while trying to protect his family’s land.

In a statement released by family lawyer Diana Halum, Musalat’s relatives said they were “devastated” by his death, describing him as “a kind, hard-working and deeply respected young man who was proud of his Palestinian roots.”

“His death is an unimaginable nightmare and an injustice that no family should ever have to face,” the statement said.

According to the family, Musalat was left severely injured after the assault, and settlers blocked emergency responders from reaching him. He succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.

A second Palestinian, Mohammed Rizq Hussein al-Shalabi, 23, was also killed during the attack. The Palestinian health ministry said he was shot and left to bleed for hours without medical assistance.

The US State Department confirmed it is aware of reports of the death of an American citizen in the West Bank, but declined to offer further comment, citing respect for the family’s privacy.

“We demand the US State Department lead an immediate investigation and hold the Israeli settlers who killed Saif accountable for their crimes,” the family said. “We demand justice.”

The killing comes amid a dramatic escalation in violence in the West Bank since the war on Gaza began in October 2023. According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 955 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IFO) or settlers in the West Bank over the past nine months.

Meanwhile, at least 36 'Israelis', including both soldiers and civilians, have died in attacks by Palestinians or during military operations.

Rights groups and the United Nations have repeatedly condemned what they describe as a climate of “impunity” surrounding settler violence, noting that 'Israeli' authorities rarely prosecute those responsible for attacks on Palestinians.

Just last week, clashes erupted in Sinjil between settlers and Palestinians during a planned protest march against settler incursions on farmland. 'Israeli' authorities have since erected a high fence, further cutting off parts of the village from Road 60, a key highway in the territory.

Lack of accountability

Musalat’s killing is the latest in a string of violent settler-related incidents involving US citizens of Palestinian descent. Previous high-profile cases include the deaths of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, teenager Omar Mohammad Rabea, and activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi.

Despite growing alarm over settler violence, US President Donald Trump in January reversed sanctions that had been placed by the Biden administration on several 'Israeli' settlers and organizations linked to attacks against Palestinians.