In a tragic episode of violence in the West Bank, two Palestinian young men were brutally killed by Israeli settlers. This incident occurred amidst an alarming increase in tensions and violence in the region.
Key Facts
- The attack took place on July 11, in the olive groves of al-Baten, a hilly area between the towns of Mazraa and Sinjil.
- Approximately 70 settlers participated in the violence, which lasted several hours and resulted in the deaths of 20-year-old Sayfollah Musallet and 23-year-old Muhammad “Rizik” al-Shalabi.
- The violence also left about 50 other Palestinians injured.
- A total of 1,449 settler attacks on Palestinians were documented in the West Bank in 2024, with 759 attacks recorded in the first half of 2025 alone.
Background
Kamel Musallet, a resident of Florida, USA, received the devastating news of his son Sayfollah’s death following an attack by Israeli settlers. Sayfollah was visiting his ancestral hometown, Mazraa, when the incident occurred. He was found unconscious and later declared dead after being carried to an ambulance. His friend, Muhammad “Rizik” al-Shalabi, was also a victim of the brutal attack and succumbed to his injuries after being shot, beaten, and tortured.
Timeline/What We Know
The young men were in the area for a casual gathering after prayers when they were ambushed by settlers. The attackers were armed with clubs, sticks, and guns. As the violence escalated, the victims attempted to flee but were pursued relentlessly. Sayfollah and Rizik were separated from their friends during the chaos. While Rizik was shot and left for dead, Sayfollah was beaten and later found by his younger brother Muhammad, who witnessed his final moments.
Official Reactions
The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, extended his condolences to the Musallet family and promised to urge Israeli authorities to investigate the matter. However, the community remains skeptical about the commitment to justice, citing previous incidents where settler violence was inadequately addressed by Israeli authorities.
What’s Next
The international community has been urged to monitor the situation closely and apply pressure on Israeli authorities to ensure accountability and justice for the victims. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and the urgent need for a resolution to prevent further violence in the region.