Ambassador Huckabee's remarks follow the violent death of Sayfollah Musallat, raising significant diplomatic tensions and calls for accountability.
**US Ambassador Urges Israel to Thoroughly Investigate West Bank Fatality of Palestinian-American**
**US Ambassador Urges Israel to Thoroughly Investigate West Bank Fatality of Palestinian-American**
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee calls for a comprehensive inquiry into the killing of a dual citizen by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
**Article Text:**
US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has urgently requested Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent killing of a Palestinian-American in the occupied West Bank. The victim, Sayfollah Musallat, known as Saif, was a 20-year-old dual citizen who was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the town of Sinjil on Friday, as reported by the Palestinian health ministry.
Initially, the US response to the incident was somewhat subdued; however, Huckabee swiftly condemned the act as a "criminal and terrorist act" during a news briefing on Tuesday. This condemnation comes as US President Donald Trump announced that a meeting on the incident is scheduled for Thursday. Trump indicated he would be briefed on the findings of the investigation.
The Israeli military has stated that they are investigating the incident, suggesting that a "violent confrontation developed" after "terrorists" allegedly threw stones at Israeli civilians. Musallat, who resided in Tampa, Florida, was in the West Bank visiting relatives when he was killed alongside his friend, Mohammed al-Shalabi, who is reported to have died from a gunshot wound at age 23. The Palestinian health ministry has confirmed both deaths.
According to Musallat's family, he was attempting to "protect his family's land from settlers who were attempting to steal it" at the time of the attack. They allege that settlers also blocked an ambulance trying to reach Musallat, leading to his death before he could receive medical help. The family has called on the US State Department to take action and investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings.
In his remarks on social media, Huckabee insisted on the necessity of accountability for these actions, emphasizing that Saif was only 20 years old. The ambassador, a former Arkansas governor with a history of supporting Israeli settlements—which are regarded as illegal under international law—has faced criticism from opposition Democrats for his comments regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Huckabee has expressed controversial views promoting the notion of a "greater Israel," effectively advocating for permanent Israeli control over the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Additionally, last month, he criticized US allies, including the UK and Australia, for sanctioning two far-right Israeli ministers after incidents of incitement against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has urgently requested Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent killing of a Palestinian-American in the occupied West Bank. The victim, Sayfollah Musallat, known as Saif, was a 20-year-old dual citizen who was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the town of Sinjil on Friday, as reported by the Palestinian health ministry.
Initially, the US response to the incident was somewhat subdued; however, Huckabee swiftly condemned the act as a "criminal and terrorist act" during a news briefing on Tuesday. This condemnation comes as US President Donald Trump announced that a meeting on the incident is scheduled for Thursday. Trump indicated he would be briefed on the findings of the investigation.
The Israeli military has stated that they are investigating the incident, suggesting that a "violent confrontation developed" after "terrorists" allegedly threw stones at Israeli civilians. Musallat, who resided in Tampa, Florida, was in the West Bank visiting relatives when he was killed alongside his friend, Mohammed al-Shalabi, who is reported to have died from a gunshot wound at age 23. The Palestinian health ministry has confirmed both deaths.
According to Musallat's family, he was attempting to "protect his family's land from settlers who were attempting to steal it" at the time of the attack. They allege that settlers also blocked an ambulance trying to reach Musallat, leading to his death before he could receive medical help. The family has called on the US State Department to take action and investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings.
In his remarks on social media, Huckabee insisted on the necessity of accountability for these actions, emphasizing that Saif was only 20 years old. The ambassador, a former Arkansas governor with a history of supporting Israeli settlements—which are regarded as illegal under international law—has faced criticism from opposition Democrats for his comments regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Huckabee has expressed controversial views promoting the notion of a "greater Israel," effectively advocating for permanent Israeli control over the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Additionally, last month, he criticized US allies, including the UK and Australia, for sanctioning two far-right Israeli ministers after incidents of incitement against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
