Calls for justice grow after Israeli settlers kill another US citizen | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Washington, D.C. – Following the shooting death of 19-year-old American citizen Nasrallah Abu Siyam by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank last week, the U.S. Department of State reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of American citizens. However, as the number of U.S. citizens reportedly killed by Israeli forces increases, rights advocates argue that inadequacies in the U.S. government’s response contribute to a cycle of impunity.
Abu Siyam, shot in the village of Mikhmas near Jerusalem, is among at least 11 U.S. citizens who have died due to violence involving Israeli settlers or soldiers since 2022.
William Asfour, coordinator for the Chicago chapter of American Muslims for Palestine, expressed skepticism regarding the government’s response to Abu Siyam’s death. “If this is true, we would stop supplying Israel with weapons. We would hold these settlers accountable,” he said, demanding an independent investigation similar to one he had previously advocated after the killing of Khamis Ayyad, another American citizen in the West Bank.
The Department of Justice has not launched an investigation into Ayyad’s death, nor have any charges been filed in relation to the killing of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old Floridian who died last year following an attack by Israeli settlers. Historical patterns reveal a lack of substantial action from U.S. officials following incidents of violence against American citizens, as seen in the case of Rachel Corrie, a peace activist who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003.
Asfour emphasized the need for meaningful actions rather than mere words from U.S. officials.
Advocacy for Accountability
Some advocates suggest the U.S. could leverage its financial assistance to Israel to enforce accountability. Washington has provided over $21 billion to Israel in the past two years alone. Despite this, President Donald Trump has indicated he will not impose sanctions or suspend aid.
Trump previously revoked sanctions against individuals linked to violence against Palestinians shortly after returning to the White House. His ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has faced criticism for his positions on these matters and for appearing to prioritize Israeli interests over American citizens.
Huckabee has made numerous posts on social media promoting pro-Israel narratives but remained silent on Abu Siyam’s shooting. While he did express the need for accountability following Musallet’s death, no governmental investigations or sanctions have materialized.
Huckabee’s recent comments suggesting the expansion of Israeli territory further fueled concerns among civil rights advocates. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) called on the U.S. government to take action regarding Abu Siyam’s death, linking it to Huckabee’s remarks as a potential incitement to violence.
In a statement, a State Department spokesperson acknowledged they were monitoring the situation concerning Abu Siyam but did not elaborate on any steps taken to ensure accountability.
Escalating Violence
Reports indicate that violence from Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank has intensified, with some former Israeli officials labeling it as “terrorism.” Armed settlers, often operating under military protection, have been known to attack Palestinian communities, resulting in multiple fatalities among U.S. citizens of Palestinian descent over the past year.
Charles Blaha, a senior adviser at DAWN, criticized the U.S. government’s inaction. He argued that the lack of accountability for such killings undermines claims of prioritizing American citizens’ safety, particularly those of Palestinian origin.
Ahmad Abuznaid, executive director of the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, reinforced this sentiment, highlighting a history of inadequate investigations into attacks against Palestinian Americans. He pointed to earlier incidents, including the 1985 killing of Palestinian activist Alex Odeh, as indicative of a larger pattern of negligence from U.S. authorities.
“The U.S. government has refused to hold Israel accountable for its military and settler killings of Palestinian U.S. citizens,” Abuznaid stated.
