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

Ambassador Huckabee's call for accountability comes following public outcry from the victim's family and the Palestinian community regarding the violent attack by settlers.

US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has officially urged Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the brutal killing of Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet, 20, from Tampa, Florida, in the West Bank. The incident occurred in the town of Sinjil on Friday, where Musallet was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers, as confirmed by the Palestinian health ministry.

Initially, there was a subdued response from the US government regarding the incident. However, Huckabee, known for his staunch support of Israeli settlements, labeled the killing a "criminal and terrorist act" on Tuesday. He emphasized on social media that "there must be accountability" for the violence, stating, "Saif was just 20 years old."

The Israeli military has stated it is looking into the matter, claiming a "violent confrontation" ensued after "terrorists" hurled stones at Israeli civilians. Musallet was reportedly visiting relatives in Sinjil when he was killed alongside his friend, Mohammed al-Shalabi, 23, who was shot in the chest during the same altercation according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Musallet's family alleged that he was trying to protect their land from encroaching settlers. They also reported that Israeli settlers obstructed an ambulance's attempt to reach Musallet, resulting in him not receiving timely medical attention. The family has called upon the US State Department to initiate its own investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and evangelical Christian, has long championed the expansion of Israeli territories, which are widely classified as illegal under international law. His previous remarks regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza have drawn criticism from various opposition figures in the US. Last month, he expressed disapproval of sanctions imposed by allies, including the UK and Australia, against two far-right Israeli ministers accused of inciting violence against Palestinian communities.