Tensions rose in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Al-Mazr’a Ash-Sharqiya on Sunday as mourners gathered for the funerals of two young Palestinians, including 21-year-old Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet, who was beaten to death by settlers. Another man, 23-year-old Hussein Al-Shalabi, was reportedly shot in the chest during the same confrontation.
According to Palestinian health officials and witnesses, the attack occurred Friday night. Musallet, a U.S. citizen from Tampa, Florida, had recently arrived in the West Bank to visit his mother, as he often did during summer holidays.
“This can’t go unanswered,” said his father, Kamel Musallet, who flew in from the United States to bury his son. “We demand the U.S. government take action… I don’t want his death to be in vain.”
The killing has sparked anger in the tight-knit town of about 3,000 people, many of whom hold American citizenship. Residents expressed frustration over what they perceive as U.S. inaction in protecting its citizens abroad, especially amid a growing pattern of violence. Past victims include Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and teenager Omar Mohammad Rabea.
While the U.S. State Department acknowledged Musallet’s death, it declined further comment, citing the family’s privacy. On Sunday, the department referred investigation questions to Israeli authorities and reiterated that the safety of U.S. citizens overseas remains a priority.
Israel’s military claimed the confrontation followed Palestinians throwing rocks at settlers, lightly injuring some. However, Musallet’s family said medics were prevented from reaching him for hours, and he died en route to the hospital.
Local youths now fear for their safety. “If people have sons like this, they’re going to want to send them back to America,” said 18-year-old Domi, who moved back from the U.S. four years ago. Still, he felt conflicted: “It’s a kind of betrayal… but this is our land.”
Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in late 2023, settler violence in the West Bank has escalated, according to human rights groups. While dozens of Israelis have died in Palestinian attacks, the Israeli military has also intensified operations across the West Bank, where about 700,000 settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians.
Meanwhile, U.S. policy has raised further questions. In January, President Donald Trump rescinded Biden-era sanctions targeting violent Israeli settlers. The decision has drawn criticism from those seeking justice for victims like Musallet.
Malik, 18, a friend of the victim visiting from the U.S., expressed deep disillusionment. “If I die like that, nobody’s going to be charged,” he said quietly at the cemetery. “No one’s going to be held accountable.”
