An American Citizen Killed in the West Bank

Sayfollah Kamel Musallet, known as "Saif," was a 20-year-old Palestinian American dual citizen born in Port Charlotte, Florida, and raised in Tampa.[1][2][3] He worked at his family's ice cream and dessert shop, which he had recently purchased and upgraded with cousins, turning it into a popular spot near the University of South Florida by enhancing the menu, floors, and tables.[3][5] Known for his kindness, generosity with customers, and entrepreneurial spirit—rooted in his great-grandfathers' business legacy—Musallet was described by relatives as responsible, fun-loving, and deeply connected to both his American community and Palestinian roots.[2][3][6] In early June 2025, shortly before his 21st birthday, Musallet traveled to al-Mazra'a ash-Sharqiya in the occupied West Bank to visit family and help protect their farmland from settler encroachment.[1][2][5] On July 11, 2025, during a confrontation in nearby Sinjil after Friday prayers—where Palestinians sought to access family land amid protests against a new settler outpost—he was beaten to death by Israeli settlers using bats, sticks, and stones.[1][2][3][5] Accounts differ: Palestinian sources say settlers initiated the violence and blocked an ambulance for over three hours, while the IDF reported clashes after rocks injured two Israelis.[1] His friend Mohammed al-Shalabi was also killed by a gunshot.[1][2] Musallet became the fifth U.S. citizen killed in the West Bank since the Gaza war began in October 2023, drawing attention to rising settler violence, which the UN links to nearly 1,000 Palestinian deaths.[1][7][8] His funeral on July 13 drew hundreds, with his body wrapped in a Palestinian flag.[1] Six arrests followed, including two settlers and an IDF reservist who was released.[1] His family, including father Kamel, has demanded U.S.-led justice, highlighting unpunished prior cases.[2][5][6][7] As of mid-2025, the incident underscores ongoing tensions in the region.[1][8]