The killings of two young men from a wealthy Palestinian village this month, including a 20-year-old American citizen, marked a notable escalation in the battle being waged by Israeli settlers for Palestinian-owned land in the rolling hills of the West Bank.… pic.twitter.com/kiFO9PxzU2
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 20, 2025
Two Palestinians, including 20-year-old American citizen Sayfollah Kamel Musallet, were killed on July 11 in Al-Mazra’a Al-Sharqiya amid escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
Two Palestinians, including 20-year-old American citizen Sayfollah Kamel Musallet, were killed on July 11 in Al-Mazra’a Al-Sharqiya amid escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. According to villagers, the victims were attacked during a weekly protest near the neighboring hamlet of Sinjil. Israeli police confirmed an investigation into the deaths.
The area, home to many U.S. citizens, has seen increased settler encroachment and military restrictions. “We are defending ourselves, that is it,” said Maha Halum, Musallet’s mother.
Local residents have long tried to resist what they describe as settler land grabs. “This is our home,” said Hafeth Abdel Jabbar, who lost his son in 2023.
Despite U.S. monitoring, critics say settler violence continues unchecked. Ambassador Mike Huckabee urged an investigation but has previously supported settlements. “Those who do not stand with you do not stand with God,” he told settlers.
The Israeli military claims residents initiated violence with rock-throwing.