US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has publicly urged Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet, also known as Saif, a 20-year-old dual citizen from Florida. The incident occurred in the town of Sinjil, where Musallet was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers on Friday evening, as reported by the Palestinian health ministry.
Following an initial muted response from US officials, Huckabee characterized the event as a "criminal and terrorist act," emphasizing the necessity for accountability. In his statement on social media platform X, Huckabee lamented, "Saif was just 20 years old" and underscored the urgency of justice.
The Israeli military announced it was investigating the event, stating that a confrontation erupted after "terrorists" allegedly targeted Israeli civilians with stones. On the day of the incident, Musallet was visiting family in Sinjil, located north of Ramallah, when he and his friend, Mohammed al-Shalabi, were attacked. Al-Shalabi, aged 23, was reportedly shot in the chest during the altercation.
Musallet's family claims he was defending their land from encroaching settlers, and they alleged that Israeli settlers blocked an ambulance from reaching him, resulting in his death before help arrived. They have requested the US State Department to conduct its own inquiry into the situation.
Huckabee, known for his firm support of Israeli settlements that are deemed illegal under international law, has faced criticism from Democrats in the US for his remarks concerning the ongoing violence in Gaza. He has also been an advocate for a "greater Israel" and has previously challenged the stance of US allies like the UK and Australia regarding sanctions on Israeli officials. As tensions in the region continue to escalate, Huckabee's comments bring attention to the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian ramifications.
