The administration of United States President Donald Trump has known as on Israel to probe the killing of 20-year-old American citizen Sayfollah Musallet, who was overwhelmed to demise by settlers within the occupied West Financial institution, calling the incident a “terrorist act”.
Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, stated on Tuesday that he requested Israel to “aggressively examine” the killing of the Florida-born Musallet, who was visiting household when he was attacked within the Palestinian city of Sinjil.
“There should be accountability for this prison and terrorist act,” Huckabee wrote in a social media publish. “Saif was simply 20 yrs previous.”
The US envoy’s assertion stops in need of backing the Musallet household’s demand for Washington to launch its personal probe into the killing.
Critics say Israel not often holds its settlers or troopers accountable for abuses in opposition to Palestinians. Musllet was the ninth US citizen to be killed by Israel since 2022. Not one of the earlier circumstances has led to prison fees.
But, the strongly worded publish marks a uncommon vital stance in the direction of Israel by Huckabee, a staunch Israel supporter, who has beforehand stated, “There’s actually no such factor as a Palestinian.”
One other Palestinian, recognized by well being officers as Mohammed Shalabi, was shot useless by settlers throughout the identical assault that killed Musallet on Friday.
Israeli settlers have been intensifying their assaults on Palestinian communities within the West Financial institution for the reason that outbreak of the war on Gaza in 2023.
Typically protected by the Israeli army, settlers often descend from their unlawful settlements onto Palestinian cities, the place they ransack houses, vehicles and farms and assault anybody who could stand of their manner.
A number of Western nations, together with prime allies of Israel, have imposed sanctions on far-right Israeli officers and teams over settler violence.
Trump lifted sanctions associated to settler assaults, put in place by his predecessor, Joe Biden, after returning to the White Home earlier this 12 months.
The US offers Israel with billions of {dollars} in army support yearly.
Over the previous few days, a number of Congress members have known as for accountability for Musallet.
Hakeem Jeffries, the highest Democrat within the Home of Representatives, known as the killing of Musallet “surprising and appalling”.
“The Israeli authorities should totally examine this killing and maintain any and all settlers liable for the brutal demise of Mr Musallet accountable to the fullest extent of the legislation,” he stated in an announcement.
Congressman Maxwell Frost, who represents a district in Florida, additionally decried the “cold-blooded homicide”.
“As our nation’s self-proclaimed peacemaker, Donald Trump has an ethical and constitutional obligation to direct the State Division to conduct an intensive investigation and, extra importantly, to demand full justice and accountability for these liable for this heinous act,” Frost stated in an announcement.
“Our nation should make sure the safety and security of People overseas.”
On Friday, Israel stated it was “investigating” what occurred in Sinjil, claiming that the violence began when Palestinians threw rocks at an Israeli automobile.
“Shortly thereafter, violent clashes developed within the space between Palestinians and Israeli civilians, which included the destruction of Palestinian property, arson, bodily confrontations, and stone-throwing,” the Israeli army stated in an announcement.
However Musallet’s household has disputed any account of “clashes”, saying {that a} “mob” of settlers surrounded the younger Palestinian American for 3 hours throughout the assault and prevented medics from reaching him.
Florida’s Republican politicians have been largely silent in regards to the killing of Musallet. The workplaces of the state’s two senators, Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, didn’t reply to Al Jazeera’s request for remark.
Since Musallet was killed on Friday, Scott has shared a number of social media posts in assist of Israel.