There has been an increasing outcry against the violence inflicted upon American Palestinians by Israeli security forces and citizens, resulting in the tragic loss of at least ten American lives since 2022. The call to hold Israel to account for these gruesome acts is becoming louder, led by U.S. lawmakers who are throwing their weight behind the cause for justice. A notable outpouring of grief has swept through social media platforms as family members express their anger, pain, and hopes for their loved ones’ deaths to trigger systemic change. Their courageous advocacy fueled by a fervent hope that no other families will be compelled to endure a similar ordeal.
In the span of a few years since 2022, at least ten Americans have been targeted and killed, particularly in the troubled regions of the West Bank and Gaza. The perpetrators, whether Israeli soldiers or settlers, have not faced any criminal charges or persecutions. This absence of justice served became a focal point in a press conference held on the 16th of September, where they strongly protested the impunity shown by the Israeli authorities.
A poignant remark was made during the conference, pointing out the disparity in treatment reserved for American citizens killed overseas. An implicit understanding exists that the U.S. government will actively investigate such cases, yet a concerning silence seems to ensue when the killers are in Israeli uniforms. Critics argue that it is absurd to expect the government implicated in the crime to lead a credible investigation into it.
The press conference was attended by family members of victims who had suffered at the hands of Israeli violence. Among them were relatives of 26-year-old activist Ay?enur Ezgi Eygi from Washington state. She was shot in the head by an Israeli soldier during a protest against settlements in the West Bank a year ago. This tragedy prompted her sister, Ozden Eygi Bennett, to reflect on the recurring pattern of American citizens being victimized, wondering if it’s due to the seeming lack of repercussions directed at Israel.
A certain politician expressed her frustration at the lack of progress towards seeking justice. She mentioned her repeated calls for the Biden administration to launch an independent U.S.-led investigation into Ay?enur’s death – all of which were met with no action. She voiced her exasperation over the continuous struggle for accountability against opaque processes.
Nine months into the Trump administration, her frustration has only deepened as there has still been no U.S.-led inquiry. A grim conclusion can be drawn, suggesting that the situation appears to be stalled and the quest for justice remains elusive.
In another deeply worrying instance, Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank reportedly attacked and killed Sayfollah ‘Saif’ Musallet, a 20-year-old Florida-based entrepreneur, whilst he was visiting family. The settlers not only assaulted him but reportedly obstructed ambulances from reaching the critically wounded individual. It fell upon his younger brother to carry the lifeless body of Saif to rescue workers.
Saif, a young man who had recently inaugurated an ice cream shop with his father and cousins in Florida, had been at the very cusp of his life. His demise was shockingly untimely and brutal. His father, Kamel Musallet, reflected on how his son had contributed positively to his community in Tampa, opening a thriving ice cream shop that was much adored by its patrons.
Adding to the family’s tragedy, Israeli forces allegedly kidnapped Saif’s cousin, Mohammed Ibrahim, from his home in the West Bank a few months earlier. Ibrahim, who had only recently turned 16 whilst in Israeli prison, is a dual American-Palestinian citizen. He reportedly remains incarcerated.
Conditions within the Israeli prison contribute to a bleak outlook for Ibrahim. He has reportedly developed scabies during his confinement and has supposedly been deprived of basic necessities such as food and appropriate healthcare. This harsh circumstance has significantly affected his health, as he has lost over 30 pounds during his imprisonment.
A slew of more than a hundred organizations have rallied around the plight of the young teen, advocating for his release. The public appeal for the freedom of Mohammed Ibrahim echoes across various platforms. The alleged circumstances under which he was seized from his family home, blindfolded and held in an infamous military prison notorious for its abuse and torture is cause for grave concern.
Demands for the release of Ibrahim and others held under similar situations are intensifying and resonated in a strong chorus during the press conference: ‘Enough is enough’. The voices from the conference resonated with the dignity and gravity of unwavering fight for justice.
The call is not limited to demanding justice for the victims, but also extends to a broader appeal – demanding accountability from their own government. Advocates insist on the essential role the U.S. must play to end the grim cycle of victimization.
The conference concluded with a clear message of firmly standing against any government support and funding to the Israeli government’s alleged war crimes and acts of genocide. They fiercely endeavored to honor the lives of their devastatingly lost loved ones by pushing their government towards progressive change.
In a world that’s increasingly connected, these acts of violence against American citizens overseas have triggered a profound domestic response. As the advocacy for justice continues to reverberate across the United States, the hope is that these fallen lives will not be forgotten and will serve as a catalyst for lasting changes.
The post U.S. Lawmakers Call for Justice for American Palestinians Killed in Israel appeared first on Real News Now.
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