Family of Palestinian-American man killed in West Bank demand accountability

February 21, 2026

A 19-year-old Palestinian-American from Philadelphia, Nasrallah Abu Siyam, was fatally shot during a confrontation between Israeli settlers and Palestinian villagers near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. According to witnesses and family members, the incident occurred when approximately thirty residents of Mukhmas village attempted to prevent armed settlers from stealing their livestock, and during an exchange of stone-throwing, settlers opened fire on villagers. Abu Siyam's death marks the sixth American citizen killed by Israeli settlers or soldiers in the West Bank over the past two years, prompting his family to demand accountability while the Trump administration has faced criticism for reversing sanctions on violent settlers.

Who is affected

Nasrallah Abu Siyam (19-year-old Palestinian-American man, deceased)
Abu Siyam's family members, including cousin Abdulhamid Siyam
Approximately 30 residents of Mukhmas village
At least three villagers who were shot, including Abu Siyam
At least five other American citizens killed in the West Bank in the last two years
Israeli settlers involved in the confrontation

What action is being taken

The Israeli embassy and authorities are conducting an operational inquiry/review of the incident
The US State Department is monitoring the situation
The IDF is maintaining a continuous military presence in the area to prevent further incidents
The Trump administration is offering consular assistance

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of settler violence in the occupied West Bank and the lack of accountability for such actions, as Abu Siyam's family and rights groups note that violent settlers rarely face criminal punishment from Israeli authorities. The killing of American citizens by Israeli settlers or soldiers—now totaling at least six in two years—raises questions about US policy effectiveness in protecting its citizens and addressing settler violence, particularly as the Trump administration has lifted sanctions on violent settlers that were imposed during the Biden era. The incident underscores broader tensions in the occupied territories where Palestinian residents face threats to their safety and property.

What's next

An operational inquiry must be completed as soon as possible (according to the Israeli embassy)
A continuous military presence will remain in the area in the coming days to prevent further incidents

Read full article from source: BBC