CMEP condemns killing of Palestinian-American in West Bank

Source: CMEP

US-based Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) has condemned the brutal settler attack in the West Bank on July 11, 2025 where Sayfollah "Saif" Musallet, a 20-year-old Palestinian-American, was beaten to death, and Mohammad Shalabi, a 23-year old Palestinian was fatally shot.

Saif was in the village of al-Mazra'a ash-Sharqiya visiting family and defending his ancestral land when he was assaulted. Israeli settlers reportedly also attacked the ambulance that was dispatched to save him, delaying medical care for several hours and ultimately contributing to his death.

This tragic killing is not an isolated incident; it is part of a larger and alarming pattern of settler violence carried out with impunity and often with the complicity of Israeli security forces. Since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, at least seven American citizens have been killed in the West Bank. In every case, there has been a complete absence of accountability or justice. These fatal attacks on US citizens demand immediate and decisive action from the United States government.

CMEP calls on the US State Department to launch a thorough and transparent investigation into Saif's death and to ensure that all Americans can travel safely throughout the West Bank. We further urge the Trump administration and Congress to reexamine US funding and military aid to Israel, which enables the militarization of settler groups and fuels a system of violence and occupation. American taxpayers must not be made complicit in these human rights abuses and pay for the very guns that are turned against them.

Saif's death is a heartbreaking reminder of the growing danger facing Palestinians, including U.S. citizens, in the occupied territories. We grieve with his family, demand justice in his name, and call on all people of faith to raise their voices against this injustice and to pray for peace rooted in dignity, accountability, and equal rights for all.