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Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
DeSantis says he has no information, comment on Floridian reportedly murdered in Israel
SARASOTA − During a visit to Sarasota on Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis refused to comment on the recent murder of a Florida resident and American citizen that was allegedly perpetrated by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Saif al-Din Musalat, also known as Sayfollah Musallet, was born in Florida and raised in Port Charlotte, according to the Florida Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), a Muslim advocacy organization. The Israeli newspapers Haaretz and The Times of Israel reported that Musallet was in the West Bank visiting family. He was one of two Palestinians attacked by a mob of Israeli settlers in the town of Sinjil on Friday during a confrontation, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Reuters reported that Musallet, 20, was severely beaten and that Hussein Al-Shalabi, 23, was shot in the chest. 'I don't have any information on it,' DeSantis said to an inquiry by the Herald-Tribune at the New College of Florida press event. 'I've heard different reports on it, but I just don't have any information. Quite frankly, you do have some reports that come out of that part of the world that may not be fully verified, so I'm not exactly sure on the facts on that.' DeSantis was at an event at Sarasota's New College to celebrate the state receiving the top ranking in religious liberty protections in an index by the conservative First Liberty Institute's Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy (CRCD). Reuters reported that Musallet's family, from Tampa, said in a statement that "medics tried to reach him for three hours before his brother managed to carry him to an ambulance, but that he died before reaching the hospital." The other man, Al-Shalabi, was reportedly shot in the back and bled to death. Ten Palestinians were also reportedly wounded in the confrontation. Musallet, according to an online report by the independent publication Zeteo, had been visiting family members since June. CAIR-Florida condemned the Israeli government for its historic support of the settlers and the Trump Administration for inaction. CAIR-Florida's executive director, Imam Abdullah Jaber, said in a statement that the president is running an 'Israel First administration' if it will not investigate the murder of American citizens by Israelis. 'We strongly condemn these racist Israeli settlers, backed and enabled by the Netanyahu government, for beating an American citizen to death in the occupied West Bank,' CAIR-Jaber said. 'This murder is only the latest killing of an American citizen by illegal Israeli settlers or soldiers.' The settlements are civilian communities built since the Six-Day War in 1967 on Palestinian territory occupied by Israel, primarily in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The homes and possessions of Palestinian residents are often confiscated to make way for the developments. DeSantis has long supported the Israeli government and its occupation of the West Bank. In 2019, he sanctioned Airbnb for its decision not to list properties in Israeli settlements there. He also visited a West Bank settlement with his then-cabinet: Attorney General Ashley Moody, now a U.S. Senator; Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, now a U.S. congressman; and Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried, now chair of the Florida Democratic Party. Musallet is one of several U.S. citizens killed by either Israeli residents or government forces over the years, including journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, teenager Omar Mohammad Rabea, and activist Rachel Corrie. CAIR said it sent a letter to the Justice Department asking for action. The DOJ responded "by incorrectly claiming that it did not have jurisdiction to prosecute the murder of Americans overseas,' CAIR-Florida said. Reuters quoted a U.S. State Department spokesperson who said the department was aware of the incident, but had no further comment "out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones" of the reported victim. The Israeli military said Israel was probing the incident, which occurred during confrontations between Palestinians and settlers that "broke out after Palestinians threw rocks at Israelis, lightly injuring them," Reuters said. The article added that the military said forces were dispatched to the scene and used non-lethal weapons to disperse the crowds. DeSantis' appearance at New College noted the CRCD's ranking of Florida first in religious liberty for using metrics for laws dealing with issues such as "health insurance mandates" to cover contraception and abortion, vaccine requirements and protections of religious practice at school. The rankings do not necessarily correspond to the politics of each state's government. Texas scored 31st and in last place was West Virginia. Illinois was ranked third and the state of Washington, which DeSantis said "probably doesn't rank very high on your list," citing the Kennedy v. Bremerton case, was eighth. This article includes reporting by Reuters, published by USA Today. Christian Casale covers local government for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Email him at ccasale@ or christiancasale@ This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: DeSantis: No comment on Floridian allegedly beaten to death West Bank
Free Malaysia Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Family of US-Palestinian killed in West Bank want state department probe
Saif al-Din Kamil Abdul Karim Musalat died in Sinjil, a village north of Ramallah. (AP pic) RAMALLAH : A US-Palestinian man has been killed in an Israeli settler attack in the occupied West Bank, his family said today, demanding that Washington launch a probe into his death. Saif al-Din Kamil Abdul Karim Musalat was beaten to death on Friday in Sinjil, a village north of Ramallah, the Palestinian health ministry said. Musalat, born and based in Florida, travelled to the West Bank last month to spend time with relatives, his family said in a statement issued by lawyer Diana Halum following the deadly attack. The Palestinian health ministry said a second man, Mohammed Rizq Hussein al-Shalabi, 23, died after being shot during the attack and 'left to bleed for hours'. Israel's military said violence flared after Palestinians threw rocks at a group of Israelis, lightly injuring two, the latest in a spate of clashes involving settlers in the West Bank. Musalat's family said they were 'devastated' at his death, describing the 20-year-old as a 'kind, hard-working and deeply respected' man who was deeply connected to his Palestinian heritage. They said he was 'protecting his family's land from settlers who were attempting to steal it'. According to the family's statement, settlers blocked an ambulance and paramedics from reaching Musalat as he lay injured, and he died before making it to hospital. His death was 'an unimaginable nightmare and in justice that no family should ever have to face', they added. 'We demand the US state department lead an immediate investigation and hold the Israeli settlers who killed Saif accountable for their crimes. We demand justice.' Rights groups have denounced a rise in violence committed by settlers in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967. The UN has said that such attacks against Palestinians are taking place in a climate of 'impunity'. Last week, AFP journalists witnessed clashes between dozens of Israeli settlers and Palestinians in Sinjil, where a march against settler attacks on nearby farmland had been due to take place. Israeli authorities recently erected a high fence cutting off parts of Sinjil from Road 60, which runs through the West Bank from north to south. Violence in the territory has surged since the October 2023 attack on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas triggered war in the Gaza Strip. Since then, Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank have killed at least 955 Palestinians – many of them rebels, but also scores of civilians – according to Palestinian health ministry figures. At least 36 Israelis, including both troops and civilians, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military operations, according to Israeli official figures.
Al Arabiya
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Family of American man killed in West Bank settler attack seeks US probe into his death
The family of a US-Palestinian man who was killed in an Israeli settler attack in the occupied West Bank, demanded on Saturday that the US probes his death. Saif al-Din Kamil Abdul Karim Musalat was beaten to death on Friday in Sinjil, a village north of Ramallah, the Palestinian health ministry said. Musalat, born and based in Florida, traveled to the West Bank last month to spend time with relatives, his family said in a statement issued by lawyer Diana Halum following the deadly attack. The Palestinian health ministry said a second man, Mohammed Rizq Hussein al-Shalabi, 23, died after being shot during the attack and 'left to bleed for hours.' Israel's military said violence flared after Palestinians threw rocks at a group of Israelis, lightly injuring two, the latest in a spate of clashes involving settlers in the West Bank. Musalat's family said they were 'devastated' at his death, describing the 20-year-old as a 'kind, hard-working and deeply respected" man who was deeply connected to his Palestinian heritage. They said he was 'protecting his family's land from settlers who were attempting to steal it.' According to the family's statement, settlers blocked an ambulance and paramedics from reaching Musalat as he lay injured, and he died before making it to hospital. His death was 'an unimaginable nightmare and in justice that no family should ever have to face,' they added. 'We demand the US State Department lead an immediate investigation and hold the Israeli settlers who killed Saif accountable for their crimes. We demand justice.' The US State Department on Saturday confirmed to AFP that an American citizen had died in the West Bank and offered its 'sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones on their loss.' The department 'has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens overseas,' a spokesperson said, referring 'questions on any investigation to the Government of Israel.' Rights groups have denounced a rise in violence committed by settlers in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967. The United Nations has said that such attacks against Palestinians are taking place in a climate of 'impunity.' Last week, AFP journalists witnessed clashes between dozens of Israeli settlers and Palestinians in Sinjil, where a march against settler attacks on nearby farmland had been due to take place. Israeli authorities recently erected a high fence cutting off parts of Sinjil from Road 60, which runs through the West Bank from north to south. Violence in the territory has surged since the October 2023 attack on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas triggered war in the Gaza Strip. Since then, Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank have killed at least 955 Palestinians -- many of them militants, but also scores of civilians -- according to Palestinian health ministry figures. At least 36 Israelis, including both troops and civilians, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military operations, according to Israeli official figures.
France 24
12-07-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Family of US-Palestinian beaten to death in West Bank seeks State Department probe
A US-Palestinian man has been killed in an Israeli settler attack in the occupied West Bank, his family said on Saturday, demanding that Washington launch a probe into his death. Saif al-Din Kamil Abdul Karim Musalat was beaten to death on Friday in Sinjil, a village north of Ramallah, the Palestinian health ministry said. Musalat, born and based in Florida, travelled to the West Bank last month to spend time with relatives, his family said in a statement issued by lawyer Diana Halum following the deadly attack. The Palestinian health ministry said a second man, Mohammed Rizq Hussein al-Shalabi, 23, died after being shot during the attack and "left to bleed for hours". Israel 's military said violence flared after Palestinians threw rocks at a group of Israelis, lightly injuring two, the latest in a spate of clashes involving settlers in the West Bank. Musalat's family said they were "devastated" at his death, describing the 20-year-old as a "kind, hard-working and deeply respected" man who was deeply connected to his Palestinian heritage. They said he was "protecting his family's land from settlers who were attempting to steal it". According to the family's statement, settlers blocked an ambulance and paramedics from reaching Musalat as he lay injured, and he died before making it to hospital. His death was "an unimaginable nightmare and in justice that no family should ever have to face", they added. "We demand the US State Department lead an immediate investigation and hold the Israeli settlers who killed Saif accountable for their crimes. We demand justice." Three Palestinians killed during Israeli settler attack on West Bank village 01:34 The US State Department on Friday said it was aware of the reported death of a US citizen in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. "We are aware of reports of the death of a US citizen in the West Bank," a State Department spokesperson said, adding the department had no further comment "out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones" of the reported victim. Rising violence in the West Bank Rights groups have denounced a rise in violence committed by settlers in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967. The UN has said such attacks against Palestinians are taking place in a climate of "impunity". Last week, AFP journalists witnessed clashes between dozens of Israeli settlers and Palestinians in Sinjil, where a march against settler attacks on nearby farmland had been due to take place. Israeli authorities recently erected a high fence cutting off parts of Sinjil from Road 60, which runs through the West Bank from north to south. Violence in the territory has surged since the October 2023 attack on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas triggered war in the Gaza Strip. Since then, Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank have killed at least 955 Palestinians – many of them militants, but also scores of civilians – according to Palestinian health ministry figures. At least 36 Israelis, including both troops and civilians, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military operations, according to Israeli official figures. US President Donald Trump in January rescinded sanctions imposed by the former Biden administration on Israeli settler groups and individuals accused of being involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Israeli killings of US citizens in the West Bank in recent years include those of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, Palestinian American teenager Omar Mohammad Rabea and Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. The UN's highest court said last year Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, and settlements there were illegal and should be withdrawn as soon as possible. Israel disputes this, citing historical and biblical ties to the land. The West Bank is among the territories that Palestinians seek for an independent state.
Khaleej Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
US-Palestinian beaten to death in Israeli settler attack in West Bank, says health ministry
.A US-Palestinian man has been killed in an Israeli settler attack in the occupied West Bank, his family said on Saturday, demanding that Washington launch a probe into his death. Saif al-Din Kamil Abdul Karim Musalat was beaten to death on Friday in Sinjil, a village north of Ramallah, the Palestinian health ministry said. Musalat, born and based in Florida, travelled to the West Bank last month to spend time with relatives, his family said in a statement issued by lawyer Diana Halum following the deadly attack. The Palestinian health ministry said a second man, Mohammed Rizq Hussein al-Shalabi, 23, died after being shot during the attack and "left to bleed for hours". Musalat's family said they were "devastated" at his death, describing the 20-year-old as a "kind, hard-working and deeply respected" man who was deeply connected to his Palestinian heritage. They said he was "protecting his family's land from settlers who were attempting to steal it". According to the family's statement, settlers blocked an ambulance and paramedics from reaching Musalat as he lay injured, and he died before making it to hospital. His death was "an unimaginable nightmare and in justice that no family should ever have to face", they added. "We demand the US State Department lead an immediate investigation and hold the Israeli settlers who killed Saif accountable for their crimes. We demand justice." Israel's military said violence flared after Palestinians threw rocks at a group of Israelis, lightly injuring two, the latest in a spate of clashes involving settlers in the West Bank. Rights groups have denounced a rise in violence committed by settlers in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967. The United Nations has said that such attacks against Palestinians are taking place in a climate of "impunity". Last week, AFP journalists witnessed clashes between dozens of Israeli settlers and Palestinians in Sinjil, where a march against settler attacks on nearby farmland had been due to take place. Israeli authorities recently erected a high fence cutting off parts of Sinjil from Road 60, which runs through the West Bank from north to south. Violence in the territory has surged since October 2023. Since then, Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank have killed at least 955 Palestinians, according to health ministry figures. At least 36 Israelis, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military operations, according to Israeli official figures.
