U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called for an "aggressive investigation" into the killing of 20-year-old Palestinian American Saif Musallet, who died after being beaten by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Huckabee described the incident as a "criminal and terrorist act" in a rare public rebuke from Washington. 🌍⚖️
What Happened?
Musallet, a Florida resident visiting family in Sinjil, was severely injured during clashes last Friday. His family claims medics took hours to reach him, and he died before arriving at a hospital. Israel’s military said it’s investigating but claimed "non-lethal weapons" were used to break up rock-throwing clashes between Palestinians and settlers.
Rising Tensions 🔥
Violence in the West Bank has surged since Israel’s 2023 Gaza war began. Settler attacks on Palestinians—and vice versa—have escalated, with U.S. citizens increasingly caught in the crossfire. Past victims include Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and Israeli American Elan Ganeles, killed in a 2023 highway shooting.
Global Spotlight 🌐
The UN’s top court ruled last year that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal, urging withdrawal. Israel disputes this, citing historical ties and security needs. Meanwhile, U.S. policy shifts under Trump saw sanctions on settler groups accused of violence lifted earlier this year—a move critics say emboldens extremism.
As diplomats push for answers, Musallet’s death highlights a cycle of violence testing international resolve. 💔
