U.S. demands probe into killing of Palestinian American by Israeli settlers

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has called on Israel to “aggressively investigate” the killing of Saif Musallet, a 20-year-old Palestinian American who was beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Huckabee described the incident as a “criminal and terrorist act,” marking a rare public rebuke from a U.S. official, especially one known for supporting Israeli settlements.

Musallet, visiting family in Sinjil, died after reportedly waiting hours for medical help. Israel’s military said clashes had broken out after Palestinians threw rocks at settlers, and it is currently investigating.

Violence between settlers and Palestinians has escalated since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Several U.S. citizens have been killed in the region in recent years. The U.N. has declared Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal, but Israel disputes this, citing historical and security claims.

Credit: CGTN