The United States has called for a thorough investigation into the killing of a Palestinian American man allegedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, marking a rare public rebuke from Washington amid escalating regional tensions.
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described Friday's incident involving 20-year-old Saif Musallet as a "criminal and terrorist act" in a social media post. Musallet, a Florida resident visiting family in Sinjil near Ramallah, reportedly died after hours-long delays in medical assistance following the attack.
Context of Escalating Violence
The incident occurs against a backdrop of increased West Bank clashes since Israel's 2023 Gaza military operations. Both settler attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian assaults on Israelis have surged, with the UN's International Court of Justice recently declaring Israeli settlements illegal under international law.
Human Cost of Conflict
Musallet's death follows other high-profile killings of dual nationals in the territory, including Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Israel's military stated it is investigating the incident while acknowledging rock-throwing clashes preceding the violence.
Policy Implications
The case highlights ongoing debates about U.S. foreign policy in the region, particularly after recent changes to sanctions on Israeli settler groups. Analysts suggest the public demand for accountability could signal shifting diplomatic approaches to the decades-old conflict.
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U.S. demands probe into killing of American by Israeli settlers
cgtn.com