Two Palestinians killed in West Bank settler attack, health ministry says

July 12, 2025

Two Palestinians, including a dual US citizen named Sayfollah Musallet, were killed during a violent confrontation with Israeli settlers near Sinjil in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian health ministry reported that Musallet was beaten to death while Mohammed al-Shalabi was shot in the chest, with both allegedly denied timely medical assistance as settlers blocked paramedics. The Israeli military acknowledged the incident, stating that Palestinians had thrown rocks at Israeli civilians which led to a violent confrontation, and confirmed that security forces are investigating the deaths.

Who is affected

Two Palestinians who were killed: Sayfollah Musallet (a 23-year-old dual US citizen from Florida) and Mohammed al-Shalabi (23)
Families of the deceased Palestinians
10 additional Palestinians from Sinjil and neighboring areas who were injured
Two Israeli civilians who were lightly injured by rock throwing
Palestinian-American residents of Taybeh (Christian town in West Bank)
West Bank Palestinian population (3.3 million) experiencing increased settler violence
West Bank Israeli settler population (approximately 700,000)

What action is being taken

Israeli security forces are investigating the deaths of the Palestinians
The Shin Bet security service and Israel Police are looking into the incident
Israeli military, police, and Border Police forces are using "riot dispersal means" in response to confrontations
The US embassy in Jerusalem is condemning settler violence against the Christian town of Taybeh
The US State Department is reviewing reports of the US citizen's death

Why it matters

The incident represents a continuation of escalating violence in the West Bank, where the UN reports at least 910 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and 13 by settlers since October 7, 2023
A US citizen's death adds international dimensions to the conflict, potentially affecting US-Israel relations
The article highlights the increasing frequency and severity of settler attacks, with 136 attacks resulting in casualties or property damage in May 2023 alone
The violence reflects broader tensions in the occupied territories that Palestinians want for a future state
The settlements themselves are considered illegal under international law according to an ICJ advisory opinion, though Israel disputes this status

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC