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Young Florida Man Fatally Beaten by Israeli Settlers in West Bank

Monday, July 14, 2025 by Felix Ortiz

Young Florida Man Fatally Beaten by Israeli Settlers in West Bank
Sayfollah Musallet - Image © Social media

A 20-year-old American citizen, identified as Sayfollah Musallet, was brutally beaten to death on Friday by Israeli settlers in the town of al-Mazra'a ash-Sharqiya, north of Ramallah, while visiting relatives in the occupied West Bank, his family and the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have confirmed. Musallet, known as Saif, was employed at his family's ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida, and had traveled to Palestine in June to spend time with his mother, brother, and sister.

His cousin, Fatmah Muhammed, expressed to the press that the news was devastating for the entire family. The victim's father traveled from the United States to attend the funeral, which is scheduled for this Sunday. According to a family statement, a group of settlers prevented an ambulance from reaching Saif for three hours following the attack. By the time they finally reached him, it was too late: "Saif died before arriving at the hospital." Another Palestinian man, Mohammed al-Shalabi, 23, also lost his life in the same incident.

The U.S. Department of State has acknowledged being aware of reports regarding the death of the American citizen but declined to provide further comments "out of respect for the family's privacy and the victim's loved ones," as reported by NBC News. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) noted that several Palestinians were injured during the confrontation. Israeli police reported that individuals from both sides were detained at the scene on suspicion of violent acts, and a joint investigation between the Military Police and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) has been initiated.

Escalating Tensions in the West Bank

The attack takes place amid escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023. UN reports have warned of an increase in attacks, which include arson, village raids, and physical assaults on Palestinian civilians, often carried out with apparent impunity or with the support of Israeli security forces.

"The settlers have taken everything. They've burned vacation homes, invaded the hills, you can't even enjoy the land anymore," stated Nizar Milbes, a close family friend who was present in the area at the time of the incident.

Impact of Settler Violence in the West Bank

What led to the attack on Sayfollah Musallet?

The attack occurred in a context of increasing aggression by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, particularly since the escalation of conflict in Gaza in October 2023.

How has the international community responded to the violence in the West Bank?

The U.S. Department of State has acknowledged the incident but has refrained from making further comments. UN reports have highlighted the escalating violence and the need for accountability.

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